Reducing Risky Behavior

Asset Building (ABC)

Asset Building for Clients (ABC) is a juvenile delinquency prevention program targeting at-risk youth. The program helps participants develop beneficial character assets in order to strengthen academic achievement, leadership potential, and fundamental life skills. The Search Institute identified specific developmental assets such as school engagement, integrity, and personal power which help youth grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible adults. These assets are the cornerstone of the afterschool curriculum at GSCS.

Camp Good Sam

Camp Good Sam is a long-standing tradition and a vital part of GSCS’ summer programming. Every summer, Camp Good Sam provides GSCS Youth Development Program participants with the opportunity to attend sleep-away camp in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. By the time camp is over, these children have more confidence in themselves, are better able to make and maintain friendships, and have acquired skills that will help them perform better when they return to school in the fall. For the majority of campers, Camp Good Sam is their first experience with the wonders of the great outdoors and life beyond San Antonio’s west side.

Kids Café

Kids Café is a free service facilitated through a partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. Started in 2004, this important collaboration provides YDS participants with nutritious meals and snacks every day, year round.

YOSA Music Learning Center

Every participant enrolled in GSCS’ Youth Development Program has the opportunity to learn how to play a musical instrument through our partnership with Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA). In the Music Learning Center, students are introduced to the violin and cello and learn to play together as a beautiful orchestra. Students have access to group classes as well as personalized private lessons and perform for family and the public several times throughout the year.

Healthy Choices for Kids (HCK)

The Youth Development Program works with The University of Texas Health Science Center and the San Antonio Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse to ensure that participants learn how to make healthy choices regarding relationships, drug and alcohol use, violence, and fitness and nutrition.