General Information

2008 Youth Programs Brochure: Download(pdf)
Additional information on Boys and Girls Club can be found here

Mission Statement and Philosophy

The Boys and Girls Club is a diverse day camp for young people entering second grade through tenth grade in the fall. Located at the south end of the Chautauqua grounds on the lake front, the Club provides field activities, swimming (instructional and recreational), canoeing, kayaking, sailing, nature, arts and crafts, individual and team sports, music, and experiences in the arts. In addition, Club features many special events and presentations focusing on areas such as science, music, dance, opera, and outdoor education.

The Boys and Girls Club plays an important role at Chautauqua Institution by providing activities that enhance the total development of school-age children. These activities include recreational activities requiring motor skill and cardio-respiratory endurance, that are fun and lead to physical development and reduces stress; educational activities that are fun and stimulate the intellect; enrichment activities that provide broadening experiences and help children develop socially and culturally. These activities help cultivate a broad ranging Chautauqua experience. All Boys and Girls Club programs are planned with the health and well-being of children in mind. Safety is the most important consideration for program planners while diversity and balance are the program's greatest strengths.

Club is a registered day camp and operates under the guidelines and regulations of the New York State Department of Health. A minimum 1 to 12 counselor to camper ratio is maintained in accordance with Department of Health mandates.

Boys and Girls Club Staff

The Boys and Girls Club is under the leadership of Greg Prechtl, the Atheltic Director at SUNY Fredonia. He is in his 22nd year as camp director. The rest of the administrative staff are also educators who have each worked at Club for 10 to 25+ years. The counselor staff includes college graduates, college and high school students, and certified teachers. Each group is staffed with a head counselor and one or two assistant counselors. The counselor-in-training program provides skill-building and practical experiences for 16 year olds preparing to become counselors. Many of our staff members were Clubbers themselves before joining the staff, and some have even attended every year from age 6 right up to 15.

All staff members attend a staff orientation prior to the start of the summer at which time they are instructed in camp policy and procedure, learn how to effectively work with children, receive game and activity ideas, plan activities for their respective groups, and prepare the camp for the children's arrival. Weekly staff meetings are held to provide staff with support and instruction throughout the summer.

2008 ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM