Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County Hosts Successful Missouri Area Council Annual Conference

St. Charles, MO, September 19, 2024

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) proudly hosted the Boys & Girls Clubs Missouri Area Council Annual Conference at Ameristar on September 16th-18th. The event brought together over 100 Club professionals and board members from across Missouri for three days of professional development and networking.

Attendees participated in workshops and training sessions designed to enhance their skills in key areas, including Resource Development, Safety, Operations, and Board Governance. A highlight of the conference was the Active Shooter training provided by the City of St. Charles Police Department, which underscored the importance of safety and preparedness in today's environment and the impact on our members and staff.

The conference culminated in a night of recognition during the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. Mike Plackemeier was inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame, a testament to his dedication and impact within the Boys & Girls Clubs movement. Karen Englert, CEO of BGCSTC, was honored as the Missouri Professional of the Year, recognizing her outstanding leadership and commitment to the youth of St. Charles County. Additionally, BGCSTC's ACT Prep Program received the Outstanding Program Award, celebrating its success in preparing youth for academic achievement and commitment to breaking down barriers for Club members.

Karen Englert, CEO of BGCSTC, expressed pride in hosting the event: "It was an honor to welcome Club organizations from across Missouri. This conference allowed us to come together, learn, and strengthen our shared mission and the Boys & Girls Club Movement.”

The conference and dinner were made possible through the support of the title sponsor, Missouri Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Additional sponsors included Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Club Hero Program, and Mostly Serious based in Springfield. Their support ensured valuable resources and recognition for Boys & Girls Clubs professionals and board members throughout the state.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County

For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County (BGCSTC) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character & leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Through annual summer camps, after-school programming, and community events, BGCSTC serves children ages 5-18 across St. Charles County and beyond to enable them to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County on bgcstc.org, Facebook, and LinkedIn.