SPRING 2023

With summer right around the corner, our staff are preparing for summer programming from teen basketball leagues to our summer camp engaging youth in physical, social, and educational activities. Field trips are planned, youth are registered, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with several local organizations getting the youth outside learning about nature and even swimming in waterfalls!

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

On Monday, May 15, our 2023 Youth of the Year Lexan Fontanez-Castillo went to Gillette Stadium to compete in the State Youth of the Year competition where he was interviewed on his accomplishments and the impact the Club has had on his life. Lexan shares, “It was an amazing opportunity” and enjoyed meeting the other Youths of the Year.

We are incredibly proud of Lexan and how well he represents Boys and Girls Club values among his peers and with our youngest youth in the kindergarten and first grade after school room. Lexan is engaging, athletic, involved, and a compassionate leader around the Club and Holyoke at large. Congratulations to Lex on 2023 Youth of the Year!

UMASS

This spring, we have been fortunate to have cohorts from UMass Amherst around the Club working with youth in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. Introducing the youth to engaging math games and STEM activities, youth have had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and exercise creativity. From responding to a habitat prompt and making clay creatures able to survive in the given conditions to building rockets, we are grateful for partnerships like this that enrich our Club programming.

TEEN MEMBERSHIP

On weekday nights, the Club is open for Teen Membership for youth ages 13-18 years old. We offer arts and crafts, tutoring, college & career access, games room and a variety of sports and Open Gym. On Tuesday nights, the Club operates intramural volleyball in partnership with the Holyoke Public Schools Middle Schools. Tuesdays and Thursdays we offer instructional boxing which has become a fan favorite. A staff member shares “Some kids come just to box now and bring their own gloves – they’ve really invested in it”. The first week of June, we will start our 8th-12th grade summer basketball league, with 84 youth enrolled. These Wednesday nights are highly anticipated and really bring the community together for fun, competition, food trucks, and more!

STATE POLICE BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Partnering with Massachusetts State Police, Boys and Girls Clubs across Western Mass have joined a basketball league that plays once a week. Playing against teams from Ludlow, Springfield, West Springfield, Westfield, and Chicopee, our Holyoke team has enjoyed travelling to the other Boys & Girls Clubs. This is a great way to interact with law enforcement in a positive way and introduce the youth to the field of law enforcement.

SATELLITE SITES

Through our partnership with Holyoke Housing Authority, the Boys and Girls Club operates four satellite units in: Beaudoin Village, Toepfert Apartments, Lyman Terrace Apartments, and Churchill Homes. These locations provide services to youth living in public housing communities without the transportation barrier and expand community access. These units are open after school and throughout the summer offering childcare, healthy meals, and fun activities.

2023 GOLF TOUNAMENT

We had a great turnout and even better weather for our Annual Bruce Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament. Thank you to all who came out to support the Club and to the local businesses that partnered to provide raffle prizes. It was a great way to end our program year and we had so much fun.

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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