It was another fantastic summer at Camp Simmons, filled with fun and learning, all thanks to the excellent staff. Don Palmer, who has been with the camp for 32 years, continued to lead with passion and good humor. With almost 25 years of experience at BGCG, Mike Gerald made lakefront activities unforgettable. In his first summer at Camp Simmons, Otis Bellamy focused on academic enrichment and Summer Brain Gain, keeping young minds sharp and entertained. The dedicated counselors and counselors-in-training also helped to create a safe and joyful environment that parents appreciate. Knowing their children are happy and secure makes Camp Simmons a beloved summer tradition “where kids can be kids.”

Thanks to its dedicated staff, Teen Camp attendees had a fantastic summer. The Club’s Teen Coordinator, Ryan Accurso, brought energy and enthusiasm, creating engaging activities for all. Juan Casteneda, a counselor with over a decade of experience, inspired teens with his soccer coaching and cooking classes, combining fun and skill-building. Nancy Santos also played a key role in connecting with teens and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Together, the team created an unforgettable experience that balanced recreation, a multitude of field trips, and personal growth, making Teen Camp a highlight of the summer.

A Visit from Senator Chris Murphy

We are incredibly grateful to Senator Chris Murphy for joining us on a hard hat tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich’s expansion and renovation project. The Senator’s support and commitment to our community are truly appreciated. This project is set to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of our youth, and we are excited about the future we are building together. 

Our Latest Video

At the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, we are more than just a place to go after school and in the summer. We are a community; we are a family; we are a home away from home. Take a look at our most recent video to see our Club in action!

Teen Leadership in Action - National Keystone Conference

This July, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Keystone Conference in Atlanta brought together future leaders from across the country to share ideas, build leadership skills, and work together to create positive change. We’re proud to give special recognition to two representatives from Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich—Keystone Club member Jake Phillips and his advisor, Mariana Martins (pictured with Jim Clark, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America).

Jake’s leadership shined brightly as he was selected as one of only 12 teens nationwide to serve on the Steering Committee for the conference. Jake spent time in Atlanta earlier this year to help lay the groundwork for the event. His contributions, along with his fellow committee members, helped shape the conference’s vision, focusing on leadership, community impact, and service.

Kudos to Jake and Mariana for representing the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich on a national stage and helping shape the future of Keystone programs nationwide!

Enhancing Water Safety

This summer at Camp Simmons, we were proud to partner with the ZAC Foundation to offer their Life Jacket Loan Program to our campers. The Zac Foundation, named in honor of Zachary Archer Cohn, is dedicated to improving water safety for children through education and awareness. Their Life Jacket Loan Program ensures that every child has access to properly fitted life jackets, allowing them to enjoy water activities confidently and safely.

We are grateful for the ZAC Foundation’s partnership and their ongoing dedication to ensuring the well-being of children in and around the water. With their support, we continue to create fun and secure experiences for our youth.

BGCG Staff and Campers are pictured with Karen and Sydney Cohn.

BGCG Advance Celebrates a Year of Learning

The first year of BGCG’s innovative Advance program was a tremendous success. Led by Program Director, Gina Lucas, and head teacher Chris Eaton, and supported by the Per and Astrid Heidenreich Family Foundation, BGCG Advance is a comprehensive after-school and summer enrichment program designed to build a strong educational foundation for students in Grades 1 through 3. Over the past year, we have seen measurable growth in the academic success of our young participants, reinforcing our commitment to providing meaningful support for students who need it most.

Using a research-based curriculum aligned with Greenwich Public Schools’ learning objectives, Advance has been instrumental in helping students meet or exceed grade-level standards. Throughout the year, students have become skilled readers, curious STEM explorers, and more engaged learners. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our first cohort and look forward to continuing this vital work in the coming years.

BGCG Partners with Bruce Museum for Summer Science Fun

This summer, BGCG teamed up with the Bruce Museum to bring hands-on science experiments to our campers. Through this exciting partnership, Bruce Museum educators led fun experiments that sparked curiosity and helped campers develop a deeper understanding of the scientific world.

Celebrity Chefs

Along with CEO Cristina Vittoria and Program Staff member Otis Bellamy, Principals Diane Fox (Hamilton Avenue School) and Dr. Dan Russo (New Lebanon School) stepped into a new role — Celebrity Chefs at Camp Simmons! Our campers loved that these two incredible educators swapped the classroom for the kitchen, bringing their energy and creativity to the grill. Thank you to all of our guest grillers who joined us this summer!

Black & White Ball

Tax-Smart Ways to Give to BGCG

Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich continues to be a place that creates opportunities for all youth to explore their passions and learn new skills. None of our work would be possible without the steadfast support of our loyal donors. Your support helps BGCG provide opportunities that shape the futures of thousands of Greenwich youth. Here are some ways to both give and save: 

Donate Cryptocurrency

Join the Star Society

Engage in Planned Giving

Participate in Corporate Engagement

Please consult your tax advisor before making your gift. All gifts will count toward the 2024-2025 Annual Fund, which runs through June 30, 2025. Please contact the Development Office with questions. Thank you very much for your support!

Making Connections at Camp Simmons

We are incredibly thankful to KPMG, led by alumna, Dorina Cipollone, for their continued commitment to empowering our youth, combining physical activity with the joy of reading. This summer, KPMG volunteers played exciting field games with our campers, and they also took the time to read books together, creating great moments through storytelling. Their generosity and hands-on approach made a lasting impact on our campers, helping them associate learning with fun and growth.

Boys & Girls Club

4 Horseneck Ln

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

(203) 869-3224