This summer, local students from Los Alamitos and surrounding communities came together to participate in The BOLO Project, a unique teen empowerment program that blends personal development, financial literacy, and leadership development with the therapeutic benefits of working with dogs. Now in its second year, The BOLO Project continues to help teens develop critical life skills while fostering a sense of purpose and connection.
Founded by Gila Kurtz, a longtime Los Alamitos resident and former teacher, The BOLO Project was created to address the growing challenges teens face post-pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, academic overwhelm and stress. With the support of her husband Jon Kurtz, a retired Navy Captain and former Commanding Officer at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Gila has turned her passion for education and love of dogs into a transformative experience for teens.
The summer program, generously funded by a grant from the Helen and Larry Hoag Foundation, saw teens raising $2,500 for Big Heart Ranch, a nonprofit dedicated to providing therapeutic programs for trauma survivors. This service project was a significant part of their journey, offering teens the chance to give back while learning valuable leadership, planning and communication skills.
A dog-centric approach to personal growth
The program is as unique as it is effective, largely thanks to its most beloved participant—BOLO, the Dog is Good mascot. A native of Los Alamitos, BOLO (along with other canines) eagerly joined each session, helping teens feel calm and connected. BOLO’s presence not only brought joy to the group but also reinforced the program’s belief that dogs can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Fostering Community Engagement: Adopt-a-Puppy Craft event and Book Reading
As part of their community outreach, several BOLO Project teens participated in a special Adopt-a-Puppy craft event and book reading for young children. During this event, the teens brought along dogs, including BOLO, to engage with the kids as they crafted and enjoyed stories about dogs. This heartwarming event not only brought smiles to the children’s faces but also helped raise additional funds for the service project. The teens’ involvement in this event exemplified their commitment to community service and their ability to positively impact others through their newfound leadership and compassion.
Why BOLO?
The BOLO Project takes a holistic approach to teen development, combining personal growth, leadership training, and mental health support. Each student begins their journey with a two-day retreat focused on building a success mindset, managing stress, and improving communication skills. After the retreat, teens attend weekly sessions that cover four key pillars:
• Success Principles
• Financial Literacy
• Leadership/Communication
• Philanthropy
These sessions are not only fun and engaging but also meet college admissions standards for leadership, service hours, and extracurricular activities—helping teens prepare for their future.
Stories from Local Families
Families have been amazed by the program’s impact. Angela, a local parent, said: “My girls are fired up! I am watching my household transform right before my eyes.” Another parent, Alicia, said, “We’ve been struggling with our child’s mental health for the past two years, and we haven’t seen her this happy since 2021. She is so excited to be part of The BOLO Project. The service project component is huge for her—she comes alive helping others.”
Donna S., whose daughter participated this summer, said: “I expected complaints about another program I signed her up for, but from the first BOLO meeting, she had renewed enthusiasm and excitement. She’s constantly quoting what she learned, especially about habit-building and goal-setting.”
Now Enrolling for Fall 2024.
The BOLO Project is currently enrolling for its Fall 2024 session. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss the chance to give your teen a transformative experience this fall. Secure a spot for your 9th-12th grader to help them develop essential life skills, build strong habits, and set themselves up for success in school, college, and beyond.
For more information or to enroll, visit www.theboloproject.org.
