Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Carmel Valley, CA — July 9, 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito (BGCSDTO) proudly announce a merger forming Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego County (BGCNWSD). This historic merger will transform the landscape of youth services in San Diego County, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to empowering youth and transforming lives.
“Both Boards of Directors determined that each Club brings an incredibly strong foundation, valuable resources, and innovative programs to the table,” said Larry McDonald, Chair of the BGCSDTO Board of Directors and Foundation. “I have had the privilege of being a board member for over two decades, and this official merge is a testament to our commitment to the community and will ensure that our impact will continue for generations to come.”
With a combined 130 years of dedicated service, BGCNWSD will now serve an impressive 6,500 youth across a vast geographical footprint. For many years, Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation have been combining efforts to become more efficient, leverage strengths, diversify and expand programming, and achieve impactful results. BGCNWSD recognized this landmark merger as an opportunity to create a collaborative organization that will better serve local youth and the community. The new organization aims to prioritize mental health, inspire academic success, encourage self-discovery, and provide essential skill-building, empowering today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders.
“We are thrilled to unite our organizations for greater impact, bringing together our resources to enrich the lives of the youth we proudly serve,” said Jodi Diamond, President of the BGCNWSD Foundation. “This merger amplifies our ability to foster leadership, academic achievement, and character development among the youth we serve, preparing them for successful futures. With this merger, we will be GREATER TOGETHER.”
Under the visionary leadership of Marineke Vandervort, CEO of BGCNWSD, the organization will build on the well-established legacies of both Clubs. “I am proud to partner with Jodi, a true champion and innovator in youth development,” said Vandervort. “Together, we will work diligently with our communities and expand on our shared goals to ensure all children have the opportunity and access they need to thrive.”
This merger will:
● Improve Existing Services
● Create New Youth Benefits
● Reduce Costs
● Serve More Youth
● Enhance Impact
● Diversify and Expand Programming
“Our vision is to become the recognized leader in out-of-school time programming and services in San Diego County,” said Robbie Calderon Hass, a 17-year board member of BGCO and Chair of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to leverage our resources and ensure Club kids have the skills and resilience to safely navigate childhood and prepare for adulthood.”
BGCNWSD will provide after-school programming at eight Clubhouses for youth grades K-12, serving the communities of Camp Pendleton, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, and Solana Beach. The organization will offer eight specialty programs, including Pardee Aquatics Center & Rancho San Dieguito Swim Team, Athletics & BIG 8 Middle School Sports, Bulldogs Basketball, Carmel Valley Montessori School, Centers for a Healthy Lifestyle & Culinary Arts, R.O.A.D.’s (Real Options for Adults with Disabilities), Summer Adventure Camps and Youth Arts Academy.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego County and their programs, or if you would like to get involved, please visit www.bgcgreatertogether.org.
Contact Information:
Marineke Vandervort
(858) 755-9371
info@bgcgreatertogether.org
Admin Offices: 533 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach CA 92075
