The first of its kind in Kentucky, The Salvation Army opened the Red Shield Boys Club in the Portland area of Louisville in 1942. The mission of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The mission is accomplished through these programs: CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Empowering Louisville's boys and girls to support and influence their Club and community; sustain meaningful relationships with others; develop a positive self-image and good character; participate in the democratic process and respect all cultures. Youth of the Year - A youth recognition program for Club members that promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Torch Club - Small group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11-13. Goals for Growth - Teaches Club members, ages 8- 12, skills for setting and achieving goals, identify their own strengths and enhances self esteem by recognizing success in realizing their goals. T3: Teen Tech Teams - For Club members 12 and older, a leadership club that promotes technology volunteerism, education and career exploration. Teen Supreme Keystone Clubs - Leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14 - 18.   EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT Enabling Louisville's youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, setting goals, exploring careers, preparing for employment, and embracing technology to achieve a successful career. Project Learn - A Club program to enhance the skills and knowledge young people learn at school. Career Launch - Encourages Club members 13 -18 to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, and make sound educational decisions to prepare to join the work force. Goals for Graduation - Introduces academic goal setting to Club members ages 6- 15 by linking their aspirations with actions today. Job Ready - Prepares Club members ages 16 - 18 with specific skills to secure employment and be successful in the work world. The Ultimate Journey - An award winning environmental education program that leads Club members 6 -12 on a fun filled journey into the world of plants and animals. Skill Tech - Develops Club members' proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and other productivity software through fun, hands-on, engaging lessons and projects. Money Matters: Make it Count - Builds basic money management skills for Club members ages 13 - 18 promoting financial responsibility Power Hour: Making Minutes Count - An engaging homework help and tutoring program Junior Staff Career Development - A small group program that assists Club members ages 11 -18 explore a career in youth or human services.   HEALTH AND LIFE SKILLS Helping boys and girls engage in positive behaviors that nurture their whole person. Teaching them to set personal goals and live as self-sufficient adults. Cavity - Free Zone - Increases young people's awareness of good oral hygiene and how to improve their dental health. Smart Moves - Helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. Smart Girls - A small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self -esteem enhancement program for girls. Act Smart - An HIV/AIDS prevention program for Club members ages 6 - 17. Street Smart - This program counteracts the negative lures of gangs, violence and "street" influences on adolescents, ages 11 - 13. Kids in Control - For Club member's ages 8 - 10 a safety awareness program that develops personal habits and practical skills needed to be safe. Passport to Manhood - Teaches responsibility in Club boy's ages 11- 14. Netsmartz - Teaches Internet safety skills. With help from our friends at...    We were able to provide health and life skills in all our clubs. THE ARTS Enabling youth to develop creativity and cultural awareness through the visual arts. Learning positive use of leisure time and exploring opportunities for fun and making new friends. National Fine Arts Exhibit Program - A year-round program encouraging artistic expression among Club members. Digital Arts Suite and Festivals - Self-directed digital arts courseware for Club members. SPORTS, FITNESS AND RECREATION Developing fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment, and social skills. Fitness Authority - Promotes fitness in Club members through weekly activities, and tracking fitness levels. Golf Club - Teaches Club members golf skills and etiquette Junior NBA/Junior WNBA - Enhances youth basketball programs Triple Play - A Game plan for mind, body and soul. RBI - A Game Plan Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities NFL Grassroots Football Grants - Supports flag and tackle football programs. SPECIALIZED PROGRAM INITIATIVES Focuses on meeting significant, specific needs that are identified within the Boys and Girls Club. They relate to or complement the core program areas. Supplemental Education Services - Tutoring services Family Support Program - A program to support whole family systems Child Safety and Protection Safe Place - Clubs offer a safe environment for youth Resident Camp - Camp Paradise Valley Summer Day Program