Meet Skyler, a Dayton member whose behavior turned a 180

Skyler G., a quiet member from Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley’s Dayton clubhouse, has really broken out of his shell over the last few years. His behavior has also flipped a complete 180, a move that took him from being in trouble daily to being named this year’s Dayton Member of the Year.

“He was a kid that we used to have to talk to every single day,” Joslyn Montano, a youth development professional, said. “Now, he just does what he’s supposed to without even being asked. He’s a great member.”

Skyler’s been coming to the Club for four years and is now a fourth grader at Sutro Elementary School. He loves coming to the Club now, and can always be found in the computer lab on CoolMathGames or outside playing with his friends, Jayse and Tristen. 

His cheeriness and connection with staff like Joslyn shows just how far he’s come in his Club journey.

“He just had a hard time listening to staff,” Montano said. “Something as small as getting on the vans from school was an issue.”

With the mentorship of Joslyn and the site director, Randall Wilcox, the staff and Skyler’s parents began working together. They identified what worked, what didn’t, and where they could find the biggest improvements. A real team effort made a real difference.

“The change was almost instantaneous,” Wilcox said. “I don’t know what started clicking for that young man, but it was a very quick improvement.”

Having a staff member like Joslyn for Skyler to talk to undoubtedly helped. The staff also focused on positive reinforcement over punishment, with Skyler getting plenty of Be Bucks and recognition every time he did the right thing. The Club tries to reward good behavior rather than punish negative behavior, a strategy that clearly worked here. The Member of the Year has really come out of his shell, and his confidence has improved as his behavior has improved.

“He really is such a smart kid when he opens up,” Montano said.

When not at the Club, Skyler can be found playing basketball with his neighbors along their quiet street, or playing Fall Guys with his friends. He also loves getting to participate in STEAM at Sutro Elementary with his teacher, Ms. Addington.