At Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, summer camp is more than just fun. It is a launchpad where friendships form, confidence grows, and future leaders take their first steps, contributing to stronger families, schools and communities.
For our youngest members, ages 6 to 8, camp is all about discovery. Children spend their summer in consistent groups, forming strong relationships with peers and teen counselors. They explore everything the Club has to offer, from swimming and creative arts to sports and technology. Camp gives them the chance to try new things, learn new skills, and build confidence in a fun yet structured environment.
One of the most important parts of the summer experience is learning to swim. For many of our youngest campers, it’s their first time in a pool. This matters more than you might think, drowning remains the second leading cause of death for children under 15, with Black children ages 10 to 14 more than seven times more likely to drown than their white peers. By the end of the summer, our campers gain more than basic swimming skills, they gain safety, confidence, and pride in accomplishing something truly life-changing.
Middle schoolers take their next step through the Young Leaders program. These campers begin to set goals, collaborate with others, and learn what leadership looks like in their own lives. They continue to enjoy all the fun of summer while beginning to identify their own interests and strengths. This early career exploration and self-discovery sets the foundation for success in BGCB’s teen programs, where they’ll build on these insights to pursue internships, job training, and leadership opportunities
For high school teens, summer camp offers a powerful opportunity to grow through meaningful work. As team leaders and program assistants, they take on real responsibilities that build job readiness and life skills. Teens learn time management, communication, and what it means to serve as a role model for younger campers. It is a hands-on learning experience that prepares them for the future and deepens their connection to community, while earning their first paycheck.
Across every age group, BGCB summer camp blends play with purpose. It gives young people a chance to explore new interests, build lasting friendships, and develop critical life skills in a positive and supportive environment. Camp is also intentionally priced to be affordable, making it accessible to as many young people as possible, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
At its core, BGCB summer camp is about more than just fun. It is about helping young people grow into their potential while creating memories that last a lifetime.
