Sarasota, FL (July 24, 2026)— This summer, eight members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties' Cultural Immersion Program traveled abroad for 11 days of cultural exploration, community service, leadership development, and unforgettable memories.

The Cultural Immersion Program is designed to broaden young people's perspectives by exposing them to different cultures and encouraging them to become globally minded leaders. Each year, Club teens dedicate months to fundraising in order to help make the international experience possible, demonstrating their commitment to this trip long before they boarded the plane. 

“Having community members support our fundraising efforts was incredible. It was so great to see people invested not just in our trip, but also into our mission to participate in volunteerism and service overseas,” said Club member Devdaan L.

This year's trip took members through Italy, Albania, and Spain, with the highlight of the experience taking place in Tirana, Albania. There, Club teens partnered with EduAct Albania, a member of World Youth Clubs and a youth-focused organization focused on promoting education, science, innovation, and technology. 

While volunteering with EduAct Albania, Club members worked with Albanian youth participating in its STEM programs. Teaming up for a day of hands-on engineering challenges, design testing, problem solving, and learning, the teens found new ways of collaborating and thinking. As they spent more time outside of programs, they bonded over the things that make young people feel connected everywhere: dancing, listening to music, playing sports, and making each other laugh. 

In addition to volunteering, the group immersed themselves in Albanian culture by participating in a traditional cooking class, exploring historic landmarks and local markets, hiking Mount Dajti, rafting through Osumi Canyon, and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat. The experience also included short visits to Venice, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain, where members explored world-renowned landmarks and experienced each city's unique history, architecture, and traditions. 

“The most memorable moment from the trip was when we played basketball with some of the kids from Albania,” shared Samuel O. “I thought it was really exciting to see different cultures and people bonding over a common sport.” 

The Cultural Immersion Program reflects Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties' commitment to preparing young people for success by providing experiences that allow them to step out of their comfort zones. By exposing members to new cultures and perspectives, Club members gain a deeper understanding of the world while building connection despite differences and return home with an open mind and new perspectives to share with their own communities.

The Cultural Immersion Program is one of many leadership opportunities offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties that empowers young people to discover their potential, serve others, and become caring, responsible citizens. To learn more about the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, visit bgcsdc.org. To learn more about The Club’s teen programs, visit theclubsdc.org 

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ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been a leading youth-serving organization since 1970 and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Arcadia. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits, and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.