Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley

To inspire and enable all youth to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens by providing stimulating and challenging programs through interaction with dedicated, caring people.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley has achieved incredible milestones since its establishment in 1991. Initially a small service site across the street from San Juan Elementary, the club aimed to support the youth in our community with the greatest need. Since then, we have grown into a thriving non-profit organization, expanding from serving 50 youth in 1991 to more than 1,700 youth across South Orange County by 2024.

Here are some of our highlights:

Raised $2.1 million and built the current San Juan Capistrano (Via Positiva) site in 2000.
Chartered the Aliso Viejo site in 2005.
Completed a $4.2 million Capital Campaign (March 2005) to expand our San Juan Capistrano services, including a state-of-the-art Teen Center (completed in 2009).
Began providing programs in Rancho Santa Margarita (July 2012).
Successfully retired our debt (December 2012).
The organization is proud to have significantly served the South Orange Community for over 30 years. Despite economic challenges, the Club remained committed to our members, increased total membership and average daily attendance, and raised $4.8 million to provide our teen population with a state-of-the-art facility.

What We Do!

Deepening & Demonstrating Impact

The Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley continues to lead with impactful programs, ensuring each member realizes their dreams and reaches their full potential. Our plan serves as a blueprint for increasing the effectiveness of our Clubs and furthering our mission, ensuring a positive future for every child and a community empowered by great citizens.

Boys & Girls Clubs serve young people who need us most by cultivating a developmentally rich environment incorporating the following Five Key Elements for Positive Youth Development:

Safe, Positive Environment
Fun, Supportive Relationships
Opportunities and Expectations
Recognition
Increasing the Frequency of Attendance of all Members
Offering a varied schedule of programs and high-yield activities.
These elements drive all of our efforts, locally and nationally, creating a developmentally rich environment that leads to a deepening impact. Combined, these efforts result in positive youth outcomes in three areas: academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

The impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley extends far beyond individual successes. By empowering young people to achieve their best, we contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community. Our alumni become leaders, innovators and role models carrying forward the values and lessons learned at the Club. At the BGCCV every young person holds the promise of a brighter future. Through programs, initiatives, and opportunities we nurture their dreams, guide their growth, and empower their potential to become a future leader, innovator, and a change-maker in their community.

In our rapidly changing world, youth and teens face many obstacles and challenges that can hinder their development and future success. These challenges included but are not limited to: access to safe environments, educational disparities, mental health support, a stable space to grow, and positive role models. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is dedicated to addressing these pressing needs by providing a safe environment where young people can learn, grown, and thrive. Our programs are designed to enhance young peoples lives through educational support, mentorship opportunities, mental health and wellness initiatives, along with life and workforce readiness programs.

We serve South Orange County, with three branches located in San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo and Ranch Santa Margarita.

Over the past 19 years, I have had the honor of being a part of this incredible organization, witnessing firsthand the positive impact we have on the lives of the youth in our community. As we look to the future, I am inspired by the countless success stories that have stemmed from our programs and initiatives. The dedication of our staff, unwavering support of our volunteers, and the generosity of our donors have been instrumental in our growth and development. Together, we will continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth and teens who walk through our doors. Your ongoing support and belief in our mission are what drive us forward and what creates a brighter future for our youth. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our youth. Together, we will ignite the potential within every child who looks to us for guidance and inspiration. - Nicole Watson, CEO