The Excel program allows volunteers to interact with youths 7 - 18 years of age at the Boys and Girls Club of Chico. Volunteers facilitate educational, recreational, social, and athletic programs designed to build self-esteem and leadership qualities for youth. The children of the Boys and Girls Club come from a wide variety of backgrounds with individual social and emotional needs. The educational component is based on a Boys and Girls Club national program called Power Hour. Children are divided into groups according to grade level.
Volunteers choose which grade level they want to work with at the beginning of the semester.
Volunteers work together in a group to help facilitate activities. A CAVE staff person is always present to assist in any way, but it is important to realize that the Excel program is a cooperative effort among all volunteers. Program Schedule Registration for the Excel program occurs during the first four weeks of each semester. During this time period, volunteers are interviewed and their references are checked. The program begins the fifth week of the semester and runs for a ten week period.