Summer Programs

The Summer Program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) serves youth ages 6 to 18 in the communities of Charlestown, Chelsea, Dorchester/Mattapan, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury and South Boston. There are separate programs for teens and for younger children. However, all programs are designed to keep young people off the streets, to educate them during the non-school months, and to provide recreational experiences to which they might not otherwise have access.

During summer 2006 and 2007, BGCB extended its hours and outreach efforts to serve more children and teens, especially during late evenings and weekends when there are few safe options for youth. In addition, BGCB was selected to operate Camp Harbor View, which opens for its second season on June 30, 2008.

BGCB's summer camps comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and are licensed by the local board of health. Our camps offer a range of educational, social, and cultural activities to make a young camper’s experience exciting. We also offer summer jobs for teens; many work at our Clubs as junior staff, assisting in camp activities, while other teens are given the opportunity to work in corporate offices or partnership programs in Boston. Whatever their summer employment, Club teens gain valuable experience and earn money while steering clear of risky behaviors and the dangers on the streets in their neighborhoods.

In response to escalating neighborhood violence, Clubs stay open later on weeknights and provide Saturday programming, including field trips and special teen programming. Activities and daily hours vary by Club. BGCB served nearly 3,500 youth during summer of 2007.