96% of Readers Showed Growth in Literacy Pilot

This year, 23 second- and third-graders received targeted small-group reading instruction through a literacy pilot powered by The Velaj Foundation, and 96% showed measurable growth, with 83% demonstrating moderate or high gains. Based on these results, The Velaj Foundation has approved continued funding to expand the program. We're excited to build on what's working and reach more young readers at the moment it matters most.

Keystone Club Travels to National Conference in Orlando

This summer, BGCS Keystone members traveled to Orlando, Florida, for the National Keystone Conference, joining teen leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country for a week of leadership development, connection, and opportunity. This year's conference theme, “Move the Tide. Raise the Temp,” challenged teens to see their ideas, their leadership, and their voices as forces that create motion and momentum. Between conference sessions, members toured the University of Central Florida and Florida State University, getting a firsthand look at college life and expanding their vision of what's possible. The group also visited Universal Studios and Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Culinary Arts: From Knife Skills to Certifications

At the end of the academic year, 11 teens earned their ServSafe certifications through the Club's Culinary Arts Program. With their new credential, teens are prepared for jobs in the food service industry. This summer, Culinary Arts instructor Chef Sandy is working with all our campers teaching younger campers foundational skills while older campers continue building on more advanced instruction.

ICON International Invitational: 
September 14 at Quaker Ridge Golf Club

Join us for a rare round at Quaker Ridge Golf Club — a private, Tillinghast-designed course ranked among America's 100 Greatest by Golf Digest for nearly six decades. Enjoy first-class hospitality from start to finish: each all-inclusive registration includes a caddy, brunch, lobster truck lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout the day on and off the course. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to play Quaker Ridge and help cultivate opportunity for the youth of Stamford.

Yerwood Center Update: K–3 Programming Continues at Cloonan Middle School

Following the closure of Yerwood Center for asbestos remediation, our K–3 afterschool programming has temporarily relocated to Cloonan Middle School. We expect to remain at Cloonan at least through the beginning of the academic year. The timeline for returning to Yerwood Center is being shaped not only by the remediation process but also by the City of Stamford’s commitment to complete a variety of building improvements while we are out of the facility. Our hope is that when our youth and families return, they will come back not simply to the building as it was, but to a safer, stronger, and meaningfully improved space. 

Making the Most of Our Time at Cloonan

When the Yerwood Center closed, our team moved quickly to pivot operations at Cloonan Middle School with no lapse in programming. For families balancing work and childcare, that kind of consistency matters. Our youngest members are thriving in the space, taking full advantage of the gym, classrooms, and walking distance to Scalzi Park, where campers seen above are cooling off on a hot summer day. 

Summer STEM: Hands-On Learning for All Ages

This summer, campers are building paper rockets, exploring robotics, learning new software, and discovering how things grow — all while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Our hands-on approach sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps young people see themselves as innovators and future STEM leaders.

Teens Trade City Streets for Maine's Great Outdoors

This summer, a group of BGCS teens traveled to Hurricane Island, Maine, for an Outward Bound wilderness experience that included camping, canoeing, and hiking in one of the country's most beautiful outdoor settings. The experience gave them the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zones and build confidence in doing something new.

2026 Corporate 5K Recap & Photos

Over 1,400 participants and 65 local companies hit the streets of downtown Stamford for the 2026 BGCS Corporate 5K at Mill River Park. Together, runners and supporters raised critical funds for the life-changing programming our 550+ members count on every single day. Thank you to our premier sponsor, Synchrony Financial, every corporate team that showed up, and the volunteers who made it all possible. Every step and every dollar opened doors of opportunity for Stamford's young people.

Give Your Time. Change a Life.

We're looking for volunteers to join us. Whether it's tutoring, leading an activity, mentoring teens, or lending a hand during Summer Camp, there's a role for you: weekday afternoons, virtually, or as part of a corporate or school group. Bilingual volunteers and Spanish speakers are especially needed.