At Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, summer is more than a fun break from school. It is a launchpad for building skills, discovering passions, and stepping into leadership. Likewise, it is an opportunity to for the organization to convene leaders and partners across Boston and Chelsea, all on behalf of our community’s youth.
This summer, members had opportunities to stretch their creativity, go on adventures, deepen their academic confidence, and take on meaningful responsibilities that helped them grow as leaders.
Whether through designing fashion lines, mentoring younger campers, speaking up in civic spaces, or advancing in athletics and aquatics, young people were challenged to see themselves as capable and powerful contributors to their communities.
Health Equity Walk & Healthy Futures Fest
Hundreds of youth, families, and community partners came together to raise awareness about Boston’s 23-year life expectancy gap, ending with a celebration of wellness at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury.
Unforgettable Field Trips
Exploration was at the heart of summer, with members across BGCB experiencing new places and opportunities that expanded their horizons. Clubs organized dozens of field trips to beaches, amusement parks, zoos, arcades, and cultural destinations: from Canobie Lake, Franklin Park Zoo, and Dave & Buster’s to sailing at Piers Park.
Members also enjoyed special outings to movies like How to Train Your Dragon and Fantastic Four, while Chez Vouz roller-skating sparked a new trend at Blue Hill. Teens traveled to Chicago for BGCA’s national teen leadership conference.
Creative Expression Everywhere
Campers showcased imagination through art, fashion, and design: creating T-shirts, logos, sculptures, and even full fashion lines with runway shows.
Sports and Aquatics Growth
Hundreds of youth built skills and confidence through basketball, softball, tennis, soccer, and swimming. Swimming was a cornerstone of summer across BGCB, giving members vital life-saving skills and the confidence that comes with them.
At the Jordan Club, more than 45 members advanced their swim levels, while at Charlestown over 10 second graders reached intermediate proficiency and several shed their life jackets for the first time. Franklin Hill and Orchard Gardens offered twice-weekly pool sessions throughout the summer, ensuring consistent access to water safety and skill development.
Basketball players across Clubs joined forces at Grousbeck Club of Charlestown for YouthConnect’s Unity Games, playing alongside the Boston Police Department.
Partnerships that Sparked Learning
Collaborations with the Museum of Science, Macy’s, Columbia Threadneedle, Boston Fire Department, Goya, and others brought new experiences and hands-on learning directly into Clubs.
BGCB hosted its annual We Own The Day Alumni Entreprenuership Fair and Fashion Show outside of Macy’s at Downtown Boston.
Opening of the Mildred C. Hailey Teen Center
This new Teen Center in Jamaica Plain, opened in partnership with BHA and Boston Children’s Hospital, expands BGCB’s footprint and ensures teens have access to academic, workforce, and leadership programs right in their neighborhood.
Celebrating Club Spirit
Club-wide events like Jordanfest, Fun Fridays at Franklin Hill, and themed camp weeks at Charlestown created joy, traditions, and a sense of belonging.
Teen Leadership in Action
Teens played a leading role in shaping the summer experience across BGCB. More than 30 Teen Associates across Clubs stepped up as mentors, program assistants, and role models for younger members: from guiding daily activities at Franklin Hill and Orchard Gardens to supporting camp programs at Charlestown and Jordan.
At the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center, teens built confidence and leadership through designing fashion lines, launching marketing campaigns, and co-creating brand identities for the Teen Center itself. At Jordan, the Teen Program Manager proudly represented Chelsea at the All-American City competition in Denver.
A group of teens also traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Days for Advocacy.
Community Service and Impact
From food distribution drives at Blue Hill Club to neighborhood jamborees at Orchard Gardens, BGCB members and staff gave back to their communities in meaningful ways.
Building Confidence for the School Year Ahead
Summer at BGCB prepared members not just for fun but for the transition back to school with new skills, confidence, and inspiration.
Teens participated in an HBCU college panel on Martha’s Vineyard, and a Northeastern University campus tour sparking conversations about higher education and future goals. Across Clubs, younger members built academic readiness through IXL assessments, reading groups, and themed educational activities.
Summer 2025 showed us what happens when opportunity meets talent, confidence grows, and leaders emerge. With the support of dedicated staff, mentors, and community partners, our members used this summer to practice resilience, collaboration, and creativity, skills that will carry them into the school year and beyond. As we look ahead, we celebrate not just the memories made but the lasting impact of a season where our youth were equipped to lead, thrive, and inspire.
