In 1968, L.E. "Lou" Dantzler, a resident of South Central Los Angeles, took 12 kids to the park to play. The boys talked openly about their problems: pressure to join gangs, problems at school, drugs, no dad, and hopelessness. To combat this, Lou envisioned an organization to keep kids safe by offering creative programs that would enhance their quality of life. The vision culminated in the establishment of the Challengers Boys & Girls Club.

Club programs include a computer lab, homework assistance and tutoring, teen leadership development programs, drug, violence and gang prevention programs, sports and recreational activities, parenting seminars and family support, field trips, programs in visual, performing and literary arts, and multi-cultural appreciation.

The Challengers' youth development strategy comprises six core program elements: Personal and Educational and Development Programs, Citizenship and Leadership Development Programs, Cultural Enrichment Programs, Health and Physical Education Programs, Outdoor and Environmental Educational Programs, and Social Recreation Programs. Challengers firmly believes that as primary role models in a child's life, parents must take an active role in the growth and development of their children. Parents are required to volunteer at the Club several hours per month. The Club is open five days a week, 12 hours a day and some weekends, serving youths, ages 6 to 17.

Dantzler believes that profound, long-lasting results occur by reaching children at an early age and encouraging them to develop their individual talents. 36 years after its founding, Challengers has served over 34,000 at-risk youth. Some of the alumni include former baseball star Eric Davis and film producer-director, John Singleton.

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