Not Your Average Summer: 2024 Summer Camp Recap

Across all sites, more than 5,800 youth participated in dynamic programs this summer hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) that built academic skills, enhanced workforce readiness, promoted health and wellness, and took advantage of valuable partnerships. These programs went beyond the Clubs, offering a blend of hands-on experiences, field trips, and unique learning opportunities to prepare Boston’s next generation of leaders.

Through these programs, 463 teens connected to employment opportunities, ranging from internships to leadership roles in summer camps, while thousands of other community members—including families and alumni—engaged with the Clubs.

These numbers alone speak volumes about the significant reach and impact of the BGCB summer programs. But behind every statistic is a story of a young person learning new skills, gaining confidence, and setting the stage for a successful future.

Academic success is at the core of BGCB’s mission, and the summer programs reflected this commitment. For many young members, this summer was a time to bridge the learning gaps left by the school year and discover new academic passions.

BGCB also placed a strong emphasis on workforce readiness. The Ready to Work (RTW) program was pivotal, with 41 teens and young adults placed in external internships, working with employers like Boston Children’s Hospital and Fidelity Investments. Four RTW fellows also worked directly at the BGCB main office, gaining hands-on experience in various departments, including marketing and finance. Additionally, six members participated in pre-college programs at Northeastern University and Tufts University. At Tufts, four members joined programs including the Summer Accelerator Program, Lab Science Investigations: Antimicrobial Research, and the Mini Med Program. At Northeastern, two members participated in the Innovation Health Science Program. These programs aimed to expose members to various healthcare careers, foster independence, and build a sense of preparedness for the industry.

One standout story comes from KJ, a senior selected for the Clean Energy Academy Program, piloted by National Grid. This four-week internship gave KJ hands-on exposure to the clean energy sector, setting him on a career path in a high-demand industry. With job shadowing experiences, training in safety and energy, and a solid support network, KJ is now preparing for a part-time job at National Grid, equipped with a new sense of confidence in his future.

In addition to external placements, BGCB hosted several internship showcases, giving teens a platform to present their summer projects and learn from their peers. These opportunities helped bridge the gap between education and career readiness, ensuring that teens left the summer with valuable skills and experiences that will serve them in the future.

Physical, mental, and emotional well-being is a priority for BGCB, and the summer of 2024 saw a variety of health and wellness programs take shape. At the Edgerley Family South Boston Club and Yawkey Club of Roxbury, 40 young leaders participated in the LIVELY (Lifestyle Intervention through Empowerment & Learning for Youth) program, a six-week wellness initiative organized by student volunteers from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. Participants learned strategies to reduce stress, improve sleep, and foster healthy relationships, providing them with valuable tools for self-care and wellness.

At the Yawkey Club, Fitness Fridays ensured that every child engaged in at least 60 minutes of physical activity, with some groups surpassing 120 minutes. Activities included circuit training, obstacle courses, and basketball, with an emphasis on fun and fitness. At Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club, members learned about agriculture in the Club garden.

Another notable initiative was Hitz Under the Lights, a partnership with The BASE and Yawkey Foundation, which provided little league baseball and softball games for children aged 6-9. For the first time, softball was offered to girls, further expanding opportunities for youth to engage in sports and fitness.

Additionally, BGCB’s aquatics program saw 80 members advance their swimming skills last program year, and all five freestanding Clubs with pools ran successful swimming lessons.

Club member participating in gardening program

Club teens had numerous opportunities to travel around the commonwealth and country to take advantage of leadership development opportunities. Five Clubs traveled to Atlanta for the Keystone National Conference, including Jordan Club, South Boston Club, Yawkey Club of Roxbury, Blue Hill Club, and Mattapan Teen Center, bringing a total of 56 teens. Keystone is a BGCA-chartered leadership program, with a focus on leadership skill development through service to the Club and community, academic success, and career preparation.

Additionally, a couple of Club teens represented BGCB and our advocacy group, Teens Taking Action (TTA), at this year’s Summit in Washington, D.C. Alongside over 300 teens from across the nation, they advocated for crucial issues like mental health and engaged with members of Congress. From pitching TTA’s 2024 Think, Learn, and Create Change (TLC) project at the Advocacy Expo to participating in panels and meeting with policymakers, these young leaders showcased the power of youth voices in shaping our future. Their experiences underscored the importance of investing in youth empowerment and leadership development.

BGCB’s summer programs wouldn’t be as impactful without strong partnerships. For instance, in early July, the Edgerley Family South Boston Club hosted a STEM Day in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. High school interns from Vertex led BGCB members through a day of science experiments, including strawberry DNA extraction and slime making. This program exemplified the power of partnerships in providing real-world STEM education to youth members.

Similarly, the partnership with Harvard Med-Science allowed 19 CITs (Counselors in Training) from the Yawkey Club to visit Harvard’s medical simulation labs. This immersive two-day experience combined theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning, giving members a glimpse into careers in healthcare.

YouthConnect collaborated with BCYF, YMCA, YOU, and the Office of Community Safety in the Mayor’s Office and more to connect over 80 youth with summer camp and summer job opportunities throughout the city.  5 YouthConnect clients participated in BGCB Summer Camp this year.

Field trips were a significant highlight of the summer, providing members with valuable real-world learning experiences. For example, members from the Yawkey Club visited the JFK Library, where they engaged in a biographical exploration of President John F. Kennedy’s life. Additionally, 6th and 7th graders attended the Mass General Hospital Learning Lab, where they acted as healthcare detectives, diagnosing a patient with real medical equipment. Club members also visited Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Other Clubs, like the Orchard Gardens Club, took trips to the deCordova Sculpture Park and the new WNDR Museum, offering members cultural enrichment experiences that sparked creativity and critical thinking.

From academic enrichment to workforce readiness, from health and wellness to invaluable field trips, BGCB’s summer programs prepared youth to succeed in the coming school year and beyond.

But the work doesn’t stop here. As we transition into the school year, BGCB will continue to offer after-school programs that build on the summer’s successes. These programs will provide ongoing opportunities for members to grow academically, stay healthy, and prepare for future careers.

Thanks to more than 100 individual and 15 corporate donors who supported the 2024 Back-to-School Drive, BGCB has equipped young people with new supplies as they kick of their school year. This year we added scientific calculators to the supply list which is critically needed for advanced math course and expensive. It turned out be a big hit! Each free-standing Club received at least 50 calculators.

With a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston remains a critical force for good in the lives of thousands of Boston’s youth, offering them the tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.