Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro Delivers 2520 Screen- Free Hours since June 2020.

The Club has undergone big changes to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. In May of 2020, they reimagined and refreshed the space with new paint, carpeting, and furnishings that best support their afterschool programs. Even when schools were remote, the Club served kids in-person.

The most notable change in operations is their collaboration with Retreat Farm. During COVID, they rehomed their K-5 Kids Club Afterschool program from Flat St to the Retreat Farm, creating an outdoor program that enhances kids’ well-being, gives them fun opportunities to learn outdoor skills, building social connections, character and resilience. Through activities and imaginative play on the farm and in the forest, participants enjoy nature, animals, and friends. This program, now moving into its fourth year, has been nationally recognized by the Children & Nature Network.

This change in locale for the youngest members allowed the Club to reimagine their Flat Street location to serve youth with engaging enrichment programming. By providing transportation from school the Club allows kids to access quality afterschool activities and accommodates working families’ busy schedules. During the summer The Club offers full day camp for grades K-5 and half day workshops for teens.

Members access The Club’s daily academic support session, “Power Hour” and programs like Snack Prep with the Brattleboro Food Coop, Art classes with

River Gallery, Parkour with NECCA, and Improv with NEYT all at the Club’s downtown location.

One popular offering is the “Make your Own Skateboard” program where Club members make a skateboard at woodworking shop, Hatchspace, and then test it out in the Club’s indoor skatepark. This hands-on opportunity allows youth to gain new skills and engage in the design process.

Thanks to a grant from Vermont Afterschool, membership is accessible to all. The Club is a fun place to meet friends, hang out, and enjoy the basketball court, performance area, tech lab, rock climbing wall, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and a pool table. It’s a perfect place to engage youth.