CLUB
The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest NEWSLETTER
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
HOW BGCMW IS PREPARING TO SUPPORT THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
KISS 108'S MIKEY V. VISITS THE CLUB
MARLBOROUGH NISSAN DRIVES SUPPORT
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS
CULINARY CREATIONS AND SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES
This summer, Marlborough Club members had a fantastic time exploring the worlds of cooking and science during our culinarythemed week at summer camp. Club staff put together an incredible week of handson activities that were both fun and educational, sparking creativity and curiosity in our members.
Our culinary week was packed with tasty adventures. Campers started by showing off their artistic side, painting marshmallows with food coloring to create edible masterpieces. This simple activity was a great way for them to express their creativity and develop fine motor skills
The scientific exploration continued as campers got their hands dirty by creating edible soil layers. This delicious geology lesson used crushed cookies, pudding, and gummy worms to represent the different layers of the Earth. It was a tangible and tasty model that made learning about soil composition a blast.
Campers also learned the science behind a classic treat with our ice cream in a bag activity. They discovered principles like freezing point depression and heat transfer by making their own ice cream with just a few simple ingredients, salt, and ice. It was a sweet and scientific success!
The week wrapped up with a final STEM activity that demonstrated a chemical reaction. Campers used baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon, providing a visual and engaging lesson on how gases are produced. This experiment illustrated fundamental concepts of chemistry and gas laws in a truly exciting way.
Learning shouldn't stop when the school year ends. Keeping kids engaged in educational activities during the summer is crucial to prevent "summer learning loss," also known as the "summer slide" This refers to the academic knowledge and skills students can lose over the long summer break, with studies showing a significant decline in math and reading abilities
Members engaging in educational activities during summer helps students retain the information they learned during the school year, preventing them from starting the next grade level behind. This makes the transition back to school much smoother and less stressful for everyone.
Our summer programs offer a low-pressure environment where students can focus on
subjects they may have struggled with. This personalized attention helps them master difficult concepts and builds the confidence needed to succeed in the upcoming school year. They also use a more hands-on, project-based approach. Activities like the culinary and science week make learning fun and exciting, showing kids that education isn't just about textbooks and homework.
Programs like the one at our Clubs are essential because they provide a bridge between the academic year and summer vacation. They offer a safe, enriching environment that combines learning with fun. By blending activities like marshmallow painting with lessons on geology and chemistry, they show kids that education is everywhere and can be an adventure. For many families, these programs are a vital resource, offering affordable and engaging opportunities that might not be available otherwise, ensuring all children have the chance to grow and thrive, even when school is out.
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Right now, young people in our communities are facing significant challenges. Across the country, math and reading proficiency rates are at historic lows. In Middlesex County, only 25% of economically disadvantaged third graders are proficient in reading. The numbers in our local communities are even more troubling. 11% in Framingham, 17% in Marlborough, and 29% in Hudson. The lingering effects of the pandemic have also impacted students' social-emotional development and led to persistent issues with school attendance, both of which are critical for long-term success.
These challenges are compounded by the diverse demographics of our communities. All three districts have a significant population of Hispanic or Latino students, and each community has a large number of low-income and English Learner students. These demographics highlight the critical need for after-school programs that are not only academically focused but also
culturally responsive and inclusive, effectively meeting the unique needs of every child we serve
This is where the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest steps in. Our after-school programs are more than just a place for kids to go; they are an essential investment in their future. By focusing on academic achievement, we can help nurture the immense potential inside every young person. Research shows that when we support youth academically, they are more likely to graduate on time, pursue higher education, and build a career that aligns with their interests.
To fuel this success, the Clubs combine four critical ingredients which are engaging programming, youth development best practices, collaborative partnerships and a safe and supportive environment
Our after-school programs are more than just a place for kids to go. They are an essential investment in their future.
We embed learning opportunities into nearly every activity. From homework help and tutoring to science experiments and book clubs, learning is a continuous part of the Club experience. Our programs are designed to meet young people where they are, building on their strengths and interests. We work with schools and other community partners to provide a holistic support system for our members. Our Clubs offer a place where kids feel secure, allowing them to focus on learning and growth without fear.
This approach creates a fun and unique way for members to reinforce what they learn in school while exploring new subjects. Our programs also combat "summer learning loss" by keeping kids engaged in discovery, creative expression, and group projects, helping them become motivated and self-directed learners.
Your support makes all of this possible. By investing in the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, you are directly helping to reverse these troubling trends and build a brighter future for the youth in our community
HOW WE'RE PREPARING TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
As the summer winds down and back-toschool season begins, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest are gearing up to welcome more than 600 youth and their families into our after-school programs. Our Clubs provide a critical lifeline for many, offering a safe and enriching environment from the moment the final school bell rings.
A key part of our service is ensuring every child can get to the Club safely. Our dedicated staff provides transportation from schools directly to our facilities, but the cost of this service has risen dramatically over the past five years. To ensure our programs remain accessible to all, we've implemented a sliding-scale fee for transportation, with a maximum cost of $55 per month.
Staying true to our mission of eliminating all barriers to access, we've committed to subsidizing 40% of the total transportation cost for every single member. Additionally, we offer extra scholarship funds to families who need it most, ensuring that financial
hardship never prevents a child from having a safe place to go after school.
This effort is essential because it allows our youth to access everything the Club offers: engaging programs, academic support, and the guidance of supportive mentors. Your support helps us continue to provide these vital services, ensuring that every child has the tools and resources they need to succeed both in school and in life.
MIKEY V. AND ST. MARY’S CREDIT UNION PARTNER WITH THE CLUBS
We are excited to announce a powerful new partnership focused on financial empowerment for our youth and families. Mikey V., a proud Framingham High School alum and popular radio personality, has teamed up with St. Mary’s Credit Union to become a spokesperson for financial literacy.
As part of this new initiative, Mikey V. visited our Framingham Clubhouse to kick off a partnership that will provide free financial literacy courses and information to all Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest members and their families.
This program is designed to give our youth a head start on a secure financial future. By learning essential skills like budgeting, saving, and smart spending, our members will be better prepared to navigate the real world.
The partnership also includes a fantastic incentive. Youth who successfully complete the financial literacy program will have the opportunity to open a bank account at St. Mary’s Credit Union and receive a starting deposit of $50. This hands-on experience will turn what they've learned into a real-world asset, helping them begin their journey toward financial independence.
We are incredibly grateful to Mikey V and St. Mary’s Credit Union for their commitment to our mission and their belief in the potential of our youth. This partnership is a significant step toward building a brighter, more financially stable future for the families in our community.
CLUB MEMBER TAKES THE MOUND AT POLAR PARK
What an incredible day for our community at Polar Park for the Framingham Town Takeover with the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox)! We were thrilled to see so many of our supporters, donors, and community leaders come together to cheer on the team.
The highlight of the day was seeing one of our very own Framingham Club kids, Colton, take the field to throw out the first pitch. Colton did an amazing job, stepping up to the mound with confidence and pride. His moment in the spotlight was a perfect example of the potential and talent our members have. It was a proud moment for our entire Club family, showcasing the confidence and character we work to instill in all of our kids.
We were honored to have key community leaders join us for the event, including Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, City Councilor Leora Mallach, City Councilor George King, District Attorney Marian Ryan, and Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest Board member John Petrin. Their presence showed a powerful commitment to our youth and the vital role the Club plays in our community.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It's because of you that we can provide our members with unique, lifechanging experiences like this one!
MARLBOROUGH NISSAN PARTNERSHIP DRIVES SUPPORT FOR OUR CLUBS
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from our recent partnership with Marlborough Nissan through their "Driven to Inspire Youth" initiative. This past July, for every new or pre-owned vehicle sold, Marlborough Nissan generously pledged to donate $50 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest.
Thanks to the incredible support of their customers, Marlborough Nissan presented the Clubs with a donation of $5,000! This significant contribution will directly support the basketball program at the Club.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every customer who purchased a vehicle in July. Your support made this donation possible We also want to give a special thank you to Marlborough Nissan's General Manager, Josh Keevan, for leading this initiative, and to Jeff Batta and George Albrecht for their continued dedication to our community.
This partnership is a wonderful example of how local businesses can make a real difference in the lives of the young people we serve. We are so grateful for Marlborough Nissan's commitment to helping us build a brighter future for the youth in our community.
GIVING BACK WITH STYLE
We want to extend a huge thank you to Josh Pereira, owner of Title City Barbers and the founder of the Title City Cares Foundation. For the second year in a row, Josh has shown incredible generosity to our Framingham Clubhouse by donating $1,000 in gift cards for free back-to-school haircuts.
As a former Club kid and someone who grew up in Framingham, Josh understands firsthand the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape him. This thoughtful donation provides a muchneeded service for our families as they prepare for the new school year. The gift cards, which can be redeemed at the Title City Barbers location in the Natick Mall, will ensure that our members start the year feeling confident and ready to learn.
The back-to-school season can be a stressful time for many families. This gesture goes far beyond just a haircut; it eases a financial burden for our parents and helps instill a sense of pride and confidence in our kids. We are deeply grateful for Josh's commitment to our mission and his powerful example of how giving back can make a tangible difference in the lives of our youth.
As we look forward to the upcoming school year, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and prepared to succeed. Together, with partners like Title City Barbers and our amazing community, we can continue to create meaningful change and opportunities for all.
It REALLY takes a village.
WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?
Got a heart full of gold and a pocket full of time? We’d love to have you onboard!
www.bgcmetrowest.org/volunteer
YourDonation MakesaReal Difference.
Thegeneroussupportofourdonorsiswhat trulyfuelsourprogramsandallowsusto makealastingimpactonthelivesofyoung people.Nomatterthesize,yourdonation makesadifference.
Herearesomewaysyoucancontribute:
MakeaSecureOnlineDonation:Visitour websiteatwwwbgcmetrowestorgto donatequicklyandeasily.
BecomeaMonthlyDonor:Yourongoing supportprovidesadependable foundationforourprograms.
OrganizeaFundraisingEvent:Get creativeandrallyyourcommunityto supportBGCMW.
In-KindDonations
Ifyou'dprefertodonatespecificitems,please contactourindividualClubsdirectlyto inquireaboutcurrentneeds
Groups who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Laura Terzigni at 508-485-4912 or email laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org.
Volunteering is your VIP pass to giving back to the community while racking up some serious life skills. Join us at one of our Clubs and become a superhero in the lives of MetroWest’s youth! Whether you’re into mentoring, coaching, or just being an all-around awesome helper, there’s a spot for you. If you have a crew or belong to an organization eager to volunteer, contact Laura Terzigni to explore the exciting possibilities! YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR CLUBS BY VISITING THE LINK BELOW OR SCANNING THE QR CODE! WWW.BGCMETROWEST.ORG/DONATE
AtBGCMW,weareincrediblygratefulforthe unwaveringsupportofourdonors Your generosityallowsustocreateasafeand enrichingspacewherekidscanlearn,grow, andthrive
Together, we can make a difference in the livesofcountlesschildren.Donatetodayand helpshapeabrighterfuturefortheyouthof MetroWest!
SPOTLIGHT
CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF SUMMER CAMP
To successfully run eight weeks of summer camp each year, BGCMW dedicates time to prepare the Clubs for the more than 400 youth who will participate in the program. Thanks to the generous support of corporate volunteers who offer their time, we can host exciting summer camp experiences.
We're so grateful to the volunteers from Walker Development for coming out and serving a wonderful cookout for the kids at our annual Elks Fun Field Day. Thank you for helping us create such a memorable day for our Marlborough Clubhouse kids.
Our kids at the Framingham Clubhouse had an absolute blast making "rainbow bubble snakes" out of recycled plastic soda bottles. Thank you, National Grid, for bringing such a creative and engaging workshop to our members.
Thank you to all our volunteers for your continued partnership with BGCMW!
