About BGCCO
Our Historic Building & History
The Downtown Club was originally built in 1918 as the Bend Amateur Athletic Club. Shortly after construction, the Spanish Flu pandemic reached Central Oregon, and the building was converted into an infirmary to care for local residents. At the height of the pandemic, 33 patients were housed in hospital beds inside what is now our gymnasium.
Once the pandemic subsided, the facility returned to operating as the Bend Amateur Athletic Club. Years later, the building was taken over by the school district, and Bend High School hosted its home basketball games in the gym. Local legend Jim Crowell played his home games here during the mid-1950s.
After several decades, the building fell into disrepair. In 1994, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend was founded and initially operated out of Marshall High School, now known as Deschutes River High School, while essential repairs and updates were completed on the Wall Street building.
During that same time, Jim Crowell, Dennis Maloney, Steve Scott, and the Greater Bend Rotary Club led a community effort to save the historic building and create a permanent home for the Club. Together, they raised $3.4 million for the project, which would equal more than $13 million today.
In 1999, the Downtown Club officially opened its doors and welcomed youth from across Central Oregon. Today, more than a century after it was first built, the building continues to serve as a place where young people can learn, grow, build relationships, and find support in the heart of downtown Bend.
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, we provide a safe and engaging environment where youth can learn and grow while having fun. Located in Bend, our Clubs offer life-changing programs for youth ages 5 to 18, focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character development, and leadership within our Central Oregon community.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. We envision a supportive community where every child has the chance to achieve great things.
Annual Reports
Safety & Security
The safety and well-being of our Club members are always our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure environment where youth can learn, grow, and have fun. Our comprehensive safety measures ensure every child is protected at all times.
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We follow strict safety protocols, including regular emergency drills, thorough background checks for all staff, and ongoing safety training to maintain the highest standards of care.
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Our facilities are designed with security in mind, featuring monitored entrances and exits, secure check-in/check-out procedures, and surveillance to ensure that only authorized individuals have access.
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We prioritize the health of our Club Members through rigorous hygiene practices, health screenings, and wellness policies, creating a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Training Our Team
Our staff undergo rigorous training to ensure they are fully equipped to support and inspire our youth, providing the highest level of care and guidance.
Every staff member completes 40 hours of training before the summer and another 40 hours before the school year begins, ensuring they’re ready to make a positive impact.
Extensive Preparation
We offer weekly professional development sessions, keeping our team up to date with the latest strategies and best practices.
Continuous Education
Staff receive focused training in trauma-informed care, youth mentorship, safety protocols, and more to address the diverse needs of our Club members.
Specialized Training
All staff meet or exceed state and federal requirements for working with children, maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.
Certification Requirements
