Brigade Boys & Girls Club celebrates 120 years

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Brigade Boys & Girls Club is 120 years old this year and today was all about celebrating the accomplishments of the past and setting big goals for the future.

Just a few weeks ago, the club received the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Gateway to Impact Award. CEO David Carriker said the award is for the club with high daily attendance and being full to capacity in all of the South East.

Carriker said it is important to celebrate the heritage of the Boys and Girls Club but they must also always continue innovating new ways to improve service.

“We need to make sure we’re preparing kids for the workforce and for the challenges of the 21st century. So we’re adjusting some of our programs. We’re still going to be the Boys and Girls Club but we know academics are vital, we know our kids have to be healthy, and we know they need to understand the world we live in so they’re prepared to be leaders in that world,” Carriker said.

He adds there are now 13 clubs in three counties.