The Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area’s clubhouse on 7^th Avenue in Troy is a safe haven for many kids in more ways than one. Its programs are influential in shaping the future leaders of Troy and the area.

Children can begin to attend the programs at 3 years old. The organization offers universal Pre-K, after school programs and summer camp. They also offer programs to teens that are geared toward anti-violence and building a career.

At the clubhouse in Troy, there is a brand-new media lab, a hydroponic farm in addition to a pool, basketball, soccer and other sports.

It’s also a key source of meals for many children who eat there every day.

While it may be known for sports and recreation, the clubhouse is building positive behavior and leadership.

“It starts out by kids coming here just looking for that safe space, and they don’t realize how much they’re going to gain from their experiences here,” according to Cary Rueppel, the new chief operations officer.

The club serves the important mission of helping children find an outlet that keeps them on a steady path.

“There’s a lot of kids out there who struggle academically, they struggle at home, and when they come to the clubhouse, they find caring adults and mentors who can work with them one-on-one, they find friends who have similar interests and support them, and it builds their ability to really take on their own personal challenges and achieve their own personal goals,” Rueppel said.