The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) is making a significant change for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year: all youth memberships will be free. This decision waives the standard $25 annual fee for children (ages 6-12) and the $5 fee for teens, removing a financial barrier for thousands of families in Boston and Chelsea. While summer camp fees will remain, BGCB is also introducing rolling admissions, allowing families to enroll their children at any point throughout the year. BGCB aims to welcome 1,000 new members during the 2025-2026 school year.
The announcement comes at a critical time as families grapple with increasing economic challenges. With nearly 10 million U.S. children living in poverty and federal budget cuts impacting essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid, vulnerable communities are facing added pressure. BGCB is taking proactive steps to ensure that all young people have equitable access to safe and enriching after-school programs, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
