ABOUT

Every kid has what it takes. For youth of every race, ethnicity and gender

Our Club

In 1956, we originally opened our doors and began serving the boys at the Franklin Clubhouse. Today, we've expanded our reach to serve locations. During the school year, our doors are open Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During the summer months, we provide summer camp activities from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club of Your Town is governed by a board of directors, which is led by Board President First and Last Name. Day to day operations are management is led by Chief Professional Office First and Last Name.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Club of Your Town is part of a national network of affiliated Clubs. The national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, began in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Conn. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement.
In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.
To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.

Why Boys & Girls Clubs Are Special

Four key characteristics define the essence of a Boys & Girls Club. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:

Dedicated Youth Facility: The Boys & Girls Club is a place – an actual neighborhood-based building – designed solely for youth programs and activities.
Open Daily: The Club is open every day, after school, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.
Professional Staff: Every Club has full and part-time, trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
Available/Affordable to All Youth: Membership dues are affordable. Clubs reach out to kids who may lack access to other community programs.

Learn More

In 1920, Franklin High School captured the media limelight and made history as an organization called the Franklin Wonder Five. From 1920 through 1922, this high school basketball team won the Indiana State Basketball Championship three years in a row, cementing their place in Indianapolis basketball history as well.

After the team's unequaled high school successes, their coach Ernest "Griz" Wagner decided to move up to Franklin College and took most of the original Franklin Wonder Five members with him. The Wonder Five put fifty wins in a row over a period of two years, challenging and demolishing bigger, stronger teams.

The team was hailed in the papers as the "best collegiate team in Hoosierdom, the, basketball center of the world". The Franklin Wonder Five took home the Indiana State Collegiate Champion trophy for the 1923 & 1924, as well as the National Collegiate Championship award in 1923, during their undefeated season.

The Franklin Wonder Five team during their high school championship days were made up of now immortalized players Burl Friddle, Ralph Hicks, Paul White, Robert Vandiver, Sima Comer, Johnny Gant, Harold Borden, Pete Keeling, and the team's coach Ernest "Griz" Wagner. The team adopted the nickname the "Grizzly Cubs" to permanently honor their wonder-coach. The mascot is still used by Franklin Community High School and Franklin College.