OUR HISTORY
One day over coffee in 1934, Chancellor E. Weymouth, Cal Farley, and Roy Pool agreed that a Boys Club was the answer to the problems of unsupervised leisure of the boys in Amarillo. With $300 each, and a building donated by Mary E. Bivins, located at 313 Van Buren – the Maverick Boys Club was born! The name “Maverick” is a cowboy term used for an unbranded calf – loose and roaming the range. Supervised by Director Ralph Dykeman, from 1934-1982, the Maverick Boys & Girls Club has been well received and supported by the citizens of Amarillo. Olympic Gymnasts, State and National Wrestlers have all come out of the club programs as well as many fine business men and women.
OUR GOAL
The Club is now known as the Maverick Boys & Girls Club of Amarillo. At the present time, the Club serves over 1000 boys and girls on a year-around basis. The overarching goal of the Maverick Boys & Girls Club of Amarillo is to provide at-risk youth from low-income families in our neighborhoods a safe, nurturing environment that enhances opportunities for youth, ages 5-18, to develop the qualities necessary to become responsible citizens. The United Way of Amarillo is the primary source of ongoing program operations support for our organization.
OUR PROGRAMS
Members have access to programs in five core areas: Character & Leadership; Education & Career; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; Sports, Fitness & Recreation. These programs promote and enhance each childs sense of accomplishment and ability to make positive, healthy life choices.
We are committed to provide essential creative experiences for our youth through visual, digital, performing, and applied arts. This allows them to access imagination and creativity to express themselves and build connection with others in their community.
Introducing a health promotion approach to support healthy decision-making. Teaches how to identify and address risk and protective factors that are associated with a young person’s ability to avoid risky behavior. This program focuses on building youth’s attitudes and skills that support healthy decision-making while building foundational social-emotional skills.
Program initiative to improve the overall health of members by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships.
Program to engage members on a journey to learn computer science based on their needs and unique interests. Club members will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and coding through the Computer Science program. Using the MyFuture platform we are able to provide rich opportunities for fun, learning, and positive youth development.
Mentoring program designed to teach character values and help build self-esteem in our young people. This is a fun, engaging, and positive peer support program that is offered by Hope Choice, local service organization that is about quipping, mentoring, and strengthening future generations!
Scoutreach gives special leadership and emphasis to urban and rural Scouting programs. Scoutreach is the Boy Scout of America’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background.
In partnership with Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program to provide 4-H to prepare youth to meet the challenges of childhood, adolescence and adulthood through coordinated, long-term progressive educational experiences that enhance life skills and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.
With MyFuture , Marverick Boys & Girls Club members can learn new skills, connect with their friends, and earn recognition and rewards in a safe and fun online environment. Currently, members can participate in activities in 11 program areas, including in Digital Literacy Essentials, Media Making, Computer Science, Leadership, Visual Arts, Lyricism 101, Ultimate Journey, SMART Girls, Positive Club Climate and DIY STEM.
Snapology helps children grow up with a thirst for knowledge, by engaging kids ages 1-14 using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology. Snapology believes children learn best through play, and incorporates educational concepts while kids have fun with familiar toys, laptops, and iPads. Snapology is a premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, homes, and in Snapology Discovery Centers.
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