A new branch of The Boys Club Network is coming to Prince George.

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Abbotsford Chapter Hosts Mentor and Wellness Dr. Sukhi Muker

This program is aimed at boys aged 13 to 19 who are misrepresented, misunderstood and under-funded.

This foundation works largely with school districts and other organizations to provide mentorship and positive relationships for young boys.

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Founding Patron Frank Giustra Speaking to Sentinal Chapter about Syrian Refugee Crisis

The Boys Club Network believes in creating lifelong leadership skills and a strong moral compass.

“We don’t define men by what’s in their bank account but by how much equity he has in his moral account,” says Walter Mustapich, president and co-founder of The Boys Club Network. “Lots of the boys do not have a positive male mentor in their life so it’s about having a lack of connection to a positive male role model.”

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Founding Patron Frank Giustra Leading Chapter Meeting about Syrian Refugee Crisis

Prince George will be adopting The Boys Club Network's school curriculum. The curriculum, H.O.P.E. For Boys Leadership 11 course, will address hope, opportunity, positive mentorship and education.

H.O.P.E. has been developed to address opportunities and challenges presented to boys and young men in the 21st century.

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Mentor and Cirque du Soleil Soloist Domenic Taylor at West Van Chapter Meeting

During the program, boys will meet with many different types of mentors. These mentors can be both men and women and will come from many different backgrounds including managers, athletes or executives.

All mentors talk about their life experiences and overcoming obstacles.

“What is said in the room stays in the room,” says Mustapich “It’s a therapy session. We bring in mostly men to come speak to the boys about their own life journeys and they come from all walks of life. The boys realize that others have gone through the same adversities they have and ended up being good people in the community. They understand that they are not alone.”

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Founder Walter Mustapich and Alumni Turned Mentor Dzinh Nguyen Lead Chapter Meeting

Mustapich prides the program on creating a sense of respect for yourself and others in the community.

“We focus on integrity and respect. We spend a lot of time talking about being respectful in particular respectful of women, family friends and community. We touch on how important that is and what it looks like.”

He also understands and caters to the fact that young boys face a unique set of obstacles with very little support.

When asked what he is doing for young girls his response was simply “The Boys Club Network," meaning that if you can teach young boys how to properly engage with society, everyone is positively affected.

Photo credit: The Boys Club NetworkBCN Summer Camp – Feeding the Homeless

According to Mustapich, the course will be launched in early September. Clubs and potentially summer camps will start as early as next month.

Click here to learn more about The Boys Club Network.