By Morgan Grant
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (BGCVP) has spent decades establishing itself as an organization dedicated to uplifting entire communities with its programs. As its president and CEO, Hal Smith says his main responsibility is to amplify the message of the institution, which currently serves more than 5,000 youths.
“I make sure people know that we’re helping kids and teens chart a path after high school that’s going to be meaningful to them and their community,” Smith says. “We are helping [the members] understand that whatever their path, success is within their reach.” Providing a wide variety of programs over multiple generations, the club has proven itself to be an invaluable resource for children and families throughout the Virginia Peninsula.
Smith, a lifetime Virginian, has been involved with Boys & Girls Clubs for 20 years, earning titles such as president of the Virginia Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, BGCA’s Southeast Region Executive of the Year in 2023 and the Virginia-DC-Maryland Area Council’s CEO of the Year in 2024.
Having worked with the BGCVP for two decades, Smith places great emphasis on the organization’s
motto, “Empowering tomorrow’s leaders.” He describes in detail the various after-school programs, their state-of-the-art facilities, as well as their dedicated employees and volunteers who devote time to ensuring a fun, safe and productive environment for the club’s members.
Smith says, “We’ve always been that safe space, that positive place where kids can grow and thrive. Providing a sense of belonging is key.” Smith has also worked hard to establish a sense of belonging among the staff, ensuring everyone, from board members to volunteers, has a voice being heard. “That’s what success looks like for us,” he says.
George Clark, BGCVP board chair, elaborates further on the benefits of the organization’s programs, saying, “The after-school programs provide a safe environment for kids, offering homework help, academic enrichment and recreational activities. The summer programs keep kids engaged, preventing learning loss and providing opportunities for exploration and creativity.” With dozens of programs geared toward all fields of interests, including arts and crafts, sports and education, there are many opportunities for children and teens to find their niche.
Among its other areas of focus, BGCVP is also dedicated to ensuring all area youth have the same access to the resources. Stephen Sigmon, former board chair, says, “While B&G clubs are for all kids, I’m most proud of the work we do as ‘opportunity equalizers’ for the kids who need us the most.” Smith expresses a similar sentiment, adding, “We only charge a one-time fee for the school year for our kids to come, and they can come every single day if they want. We don’t want finances to be an obstacle.” With its commitment to making services available to all, the BGCVP has proven to be an incomparable success in uplifting children and teens.
Smith is celebrating 30 years of marriage with his wife, Beverly, this year. Together, they have two daughters, about whom Smith expresses great pride. As an all-around family man, Smith has dedicated much of his life to fostering safe spaces and opportunities for families like his own.
TO THE POINT:
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula
Address: 11825 Rock Landing Dr., Chesapeake Bldg., Newport News, VA, 23606
Contact: Hal Smith, president and CEO
Phone: 757-223-7205
Website: www.bagclub.com
