Lessons Learned from Boys & Girls Club of Martin County
When Boys & Girls Clubs explore new programming, the goal is always the same: create experiences that members actually want to participate in — and keep coming back to.
That’s exactly the mindset the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County brought to their decision to implement exergaming.
When asked what advice they would give another Boys & Girls Club considering exergaming, their answer wasn’t about equipment or technology alone. It was about listening, preparation, and preserving what matters most: fun.
Start by Listening to Your Members
One of the most important steps in Martin County’s success was simple — they asked their members what they wanted.
Before rolling out exergaming, staff took the time to understand:
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What types of games and activities members were excited about
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How competitive or cooperative they preferred to play
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What age groups would use the space most often
By involving members early, exergaming didn’t feel like “another program added to the schedule.” It felt like something built with them in mind.
That sense of ownership drove immediate engagement and helped ensure the program reflected the interests of the youth it was designed to serve.
Invest in Staff Training from the Beginning
Another key piece of advice: train your staff well — and early.
Exergaming thrives when staff are confident, engaged, and comfortable facilitating play. At Martin County, staff training focused on:
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Understanding how the equipment works
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Learning how to set up games and challenges
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Knowing how to adapt activities for different ages and ability levels
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Encouraging participation without over-structuring the experience
Well-trained staff don’t just supervise — they lead the energy in the room. Their enthusiasm directly impacts how members respond, participate, and stay engaged over time.
Keep Fun at the Center of Everything
No matter how advanced the technology or how strong the outcomes, Martin County emphasized one non-negotiable principle:
It has to stay fun.
Fun is what:
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Brings members into the space
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Encourages repeat participation
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Creates positive associations with movement and activity
When exergaming feels playful and exciting, physical activity becomes something members choose, not something they’re required to do.
That doesn’t mean outcomes don’t matter — they do. But fun is the vehicle that delivers those outcomes consistently.
Exergaming Works Best When It Reflects Club Culture
Every Boys & Girls Club is unique. What worked for Martin County wasn’t about copying a template — it was about aligning exergaming with their club’s culture.
By combining:
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Member input
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Prepared, confident staff
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A commitment to fun
Exergaming became a natural extension of the club’s mission rather than a standalone attraction.
🎥 Hear It Directly from Boys & Girls Club of Martin County
Embed your video below to hear firsthand advice from Boys & Girls Club of Martin County on implementing exergaming and engaging members.
Final Takeaway for Other Boys & Girls Clubs
If you’re considering exergaming, the advice from Martin County is clear:
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Listen to your members
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Prepare and empower your staff
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Never lose sight of fun
When those three elements come together, exergaming becomes more than a piece of equipment — it becomes a program members love and a tool clubs can rely on.