Health & Life Skills
Empowering teens to make smart, healthy decisions about their bodies, minds, and relationships.
The teenage years bring new pressures, choices, and challenges. Our health and life skills programs give teens a safe space to discuss real issues, develop refusal skills, build self-esteem, and learn to take care of their physical and emotional health. Led by trained staff and caring mentors, these nationally recognized programs from Boys & Girls Clubs of America address the whole teen.
All programs are free with teen membership.
SMART Girls
Ages 13-18 BGCA National ProgramSMART Girls for teens is a comprehensive health, fitness, and self-esteem program designed for young women ages 13-18. Through group discussions, mentoring sessions, and hands-on activities, participants explore topics like body image, healthy relationships, sexual health, self-advocacy, and stress management.
The program creates a supportive, girls-only environment where teens can speak openly about the challenges they face. Adult women mentors serve as role models and facilitators, helping members build the confidence and resilience to navigate adolescence and prepare for adulthood. Activities include journaling, wellness workshops, guest speakers, and community engagement projects.
Passport to Manhood
Ages 13-18 BGCA National ProgramPassport to Manhood for teens is a character and life skills program for young men ages 13-18. Through 14 interactive sessions led by adult male mentors, participants explore what it means to be a responsible, respectful, and caring man. Sessions address topics including conflict resolution, healthy relationships, respect for self and others, goal setting, and personal responsibility.
The program uses real-life scenarios, group discussions, and team activities to help young men develop a positive sense of identity. Mentors share their own experiences and provide guidance in a supportive, judgment-free space. Participants track their progress through a personal passport they stamp after each completed session.
SMART Moves
BGCA National ProgramSMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) helps teens develop the skills to resist substance use, alcohol, and other risky behaviors. The teen-level curriculum addresses real-world pressures that adolescents face, including peer pressure, social media influence, and stress-related coping mechanisms.
Through role-playing, group dialogue, and scenario-based learning, teens practice refusal skills, build assertiveness, and develop healthy alternatives to risky behavior. The program is facilitated by trained staff who create a safe, nonjudgmental environment for honest conversation.
Triple Play
BGCA National ProgramTriple Play is a comprehensive wellness program addressing mind, body, and soul. For teens, the program emphasizes fitness, nutrition, stress management, and building positive social connections. Daily fitness activities, healthy eating education, and group recreation help teens develop lifelong wellness habits.
The "mind" component teaches nutrition literacy and mental health awareness. The "body" component engages teens in sports, fitness challenges, and physical activity. The "soul" component focuses on building empathy, teamwork, and healthy peer relationships. Triple Play activities are integrated into daily Teen Center programming.
Healthy Teens, Strong Futures
All health and life skills programs are free with teen membership.