Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step beyond what is familiar, beyond the norm of our everyday lives. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC), we believe young people should have opportunities to learn new cultures, meet people with different backgrounds and perspectives, and travel alongside peers to broaden Club members' perspectives to new possibilities. Our Cultural Immersion program puts this belief into action. This summer, eight members of BGCSDC's Cultural Immersion Program traveled abroad for 11 days of cultural exploration, community service, leadership development, and unforgettable memories.
The Cultural Immersion Program is designed to challenge young people's perspectives by exposing them to different cultures and encouraging them to become globally minded leaders. Each year, Club teens dedicate months to fundraising in order to help make the international experience possible, demonstrating their commitment to this trip long before they board the plane.
“Having community members support our fundraising efforts was incredible. It was so great to see people invested not just in our trip, but also in our mission to participate in volunteerism and service overseas,” said Club member Devdaan L.
This year's trip took members through Italy, Albania, and Spain, with the highlight of the experience taking place in Tirana, Albania. There, Club teens partnered with EduAct Albania, a member of World Youth Clubs and a youth-focused organization focused on promoting education, science, innovation, and technology.
While volunteering with EduAct Albania, Club members worked with Albanian youth participating in its STEM
programs. Teaming up for a day of hands-on engineering challenges, design testing, problem solving, and
learning, the teens found new ways of collaborating and thinking. As they spent more time outside of programs,
they bonded over the things that make young people feel connected everywhere: dancing, listening to music,
playing sports, and making each other laugh.
In addition to volunteering, the group immersed themselves in Albanian culture by participating in a traditional
cooking class, exploring historic landmarks and local markets, hiking Mount Dajti, rafting through Osumi Canyon,
and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat. The experience also included short visits to Venice, Italy,
and Barcelona, Spain, where members explored world-renowned landmarks and experienced each city's unique
history, architecture, and traditions.
“The most memorable moment from the trip was when we played basketball with some of the kids from Albania,” shared Samuel O. “I thought it was really exciting to see different cultures and people bonding over a common sport.”
The Cultural Immersion Program reflects BGCSDC's commitment to preparing young people for success by providing experiences that allow them to step out of their comfort zones. By exposing members to new cultures and perspectives, Club members gain a deeper understanding of the world while building connections despite differences and return home with an open mind and new perspectives to share with their own communities.
The Cultural Immersion Program is one of many leadership opportunities offered by BGCSDC that empower young people to discover their potential, serve others, and become caring, responsible citizens.
To learn more about the impact of BGCSDC, visit bgcsdc.org. To learn more about The Club’s teen programs, visit theclubsdc.org
