ORLANDO, Fla. — The Boys and Girls Club has been a staple in many communities throughout Central Florida, especially in the Pine Hills community. 


What You Need To Know

  • At the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of The Boys and Girls Club, their main goal is to put kids in a positive environment

  • Malik Mapps, the team director of the facility, says it's a place that provides safety and a place to be off the streets

  • Mapps already knows the work is important, but would love to see even more from city leaders — especially in the Pine Hills area

At the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of The Boys and Girls Club, officials say their main goal is to put kids in a positive environment and keep them off the streets and out of trouble. 

"The kids love to be here because there is always somebody that’s their favorite person that’s going to be here," said Clubhouse team director Malik Mapps. "Places like this provide safety and a place to be off the streets."

The facility has areas for kids of all ages, with art rooms, pool tables, gaming consoles and even a robotics area. 

"Kids love to be here, even if it's just to get away for a couple of hours after school," Mapps said. 

While it may look like a mini arcade, the clubhouse gives them a sense of belonging. 

Teens already go through a tough time in school and navigating life, so Mapps said being there for them is a no-brainer. 

It’s not just fun and games, he said they also help kids with developmental programs, workforce-ready programs, trades and even finances. 

Mapps already knows the work is important, but would love to see even more from city leaders — especially in the Pine Hills area.

"More recreation centers open, more Boys and Girls Clubs, more places where kids can can go and feel safe, have a mentor to talk to because a lot of them don’t really have that at home," said Mapps.