Officials from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Clara Valley, Simi Valley, Oxnard/Port Hueneme and Ventura have just returned from Orlando, Fla., and an information-packed four-day meeting exploring some of the most pressing issues concerning the well-being of America's young people.

A group of 15 from Ventura County joined some 3,200 other Boys & Girls Club professionals and board members attending the 101st annual National Conference for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

One of the most popular events was the Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony, where this year's inductees Earth Wind & Fire's Verdine White, Atlanta Falcons star Joe Horn, ESPN analyst Lee Corso, U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot Capt. Steve Foley, National Association of Music Makers President Joe Lamond, former WNBA standout Semeka Randall, Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle and DNS Chairman Dave Condon received a standing ovation after their poignant remarks about how important the club was to them in their childhood and how it taught them the importance of giving back.

"Law & Order" star and BGCA alum Courtney Vance served as emcee.

"We wanted to present proof positive that Boys & Girls Clubs of America has made a lasting impact on society, and honoring these outstanding alumni certainly illustrates this point," said Roxanne Spillett, BGCA president.

One noteworthy session included findings from the new BGCA Alumni Survey conducted by Harris Interactive, which demonstrated the true value of a Boys & Girls Club experience. Survey results showed an impressive 57 percent of alumni said, "The club saved my life," a 5 percent increase over the last survey taken more than five years ago.

Another important finding was BGCA alumni reporting a higher graduation rate when compared to the general public (nine in 10 compared to 85 percent). This takes on additional significance given the escalating number of high school dropouts and the negative impact on the nation's economy.

Both local board members and staff were also drawn to the two separate panel discussions featuring BGCA's National Youth of the Year and four regional finalists. They listened as the teens expressed their opinions on some of the toughest issues facing today's young people, including their frustration with wanting to secure a college education, but being denied it because of circumstances beyond their control.

The teen panel members challenged conference attendees to listen more closely to America's young people and help close the gap between hope and opportunity.

Equally compelling were the remarks of Sonia Manzano, an award-winning actress and education advocate. Manzano said she had no reservations about using her role as Maria on Sesame Street to promote the need for greater inclusion in all segments of society and she encouraged adults to lead by example at all times.

This year's conference also served as the seventh anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids (http://www.dayforkids.org). During a family-oriented picnic with food, games and prizes, club staff and board members learned about plans for this year's celebration, slated Sept. 15. The day will feature more than 1,200 events involving millions all celebrating the importance of adults spending meaningful time with the children in their lives.

Camarillo's Chairman-elect Greg Glover and President/CEO Greg Stuart took home the $5,000 first-place award in the "Express Yourself" competition sponsored by American Express. Each team presented a case for financial support to secure a personal donation for a local club. Glover, having been a "club kid" growing up in Camarillo, was very convincing when he touted the benefits of membership. He is now senior vice president and regional banking manager for City National Bank.

"It's for the kids," Glover said of his participation in the contest, "and kids growing up today need the programs the club is providing. If we win, the kids win. I know I got a lot from the Camarillo club growing up and I want our kids to have the best opportunities, too."

The Boys & Girls Clubs have played an integral role in Ventura County for many years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people.

To learn about summer hours for programs in character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation, contact the club in your area:

n Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo/Las Virgenes, 1-818-880-8577, http://www.bgcconejo.org.

n Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard/Port Hueneme, 815-4959, http:positiveplace4kids.org.

n Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark, 529-1140, http://www.moorparkbgc.org.

n Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley, 525-7910, http://www.sphs.net/bgc.

n Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley, 527-4437, http://www.bgcsimi.com.

n Boys & Girls Club of Ventura, 641-5585, http://www.bgclubventura.org.

n Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, 482-8113, http://www.bgccam.org.