Berkshire Nonprofit Spotlight: The Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires

A Youth Supportive Mission

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires provides programs and services that support children throughout the year, including EEC licensed childcare, afterschool programs, summer camp, academic support, sports and recreation, swimming, arts and enrichment activities, leadership development, wellness initiatives and healthy meals.

Through these programs, youth have access to safe spaces, caring adult mentors, opportunities to build confidence and life skills, and experiences that help them grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires Inc. is to enhance the quality of life for youth as participating members of a richly diverse society.  With emphasis on being socially and economically inclusive, the Boys & Girls Club helps youth to help themselves to realize their potential for growth, development, and leadership.

What problems are you solving in Berkshire County?

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires helps address some of the biggest challenges facing children in our community, including access to affordable childcare, safe afterschool and summer camp, mentorship, meals, academic support, and free access to music and dance programs that many families may not otherwise be able to access.

Many families are balancing work schedules, transportation challenges, rising costs, and limited childcare options while trying to make sure their children are safe, supported, and in a positive environment. We provide a place families can count on, with caring adults, consistent support, and programs that help young people build confidence, relationships, life skills, and a sense of belonging.

Our goal is to make sure every child has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential.

What inspired the creation of your organization? 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires was created because young people in our community needed a safe, positive place to go outside of school and home. The goal was to give youth a positive alternative to the streets. 

While the club has grown and changed over the years, that purpose has stayed the same. Today, we continue to provide a place where children and teens can build confidence, form healthy relationships, access meals and support, and take part in programs that help them learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

How many people served annually?

We serve nearly 4,000 youth each year through childcare, after-school programs, summer camp, sports and recreation, enrichment opportunities, leadership programs, and community partnerships throughout Berkshire County.

How do you impact Berkshire County overall?

• Licensed childcare programs through Massachusetts Early Education & Care (EEC) serving children from preschool through 5th grade with safe, reliable before school, afterschool, and summer programming for working families
• Financial assistance, camperships, and acceptance of childcare vouchers to help keep programs affordable and accessible for families who need support
• Homework help, academic mentoring, and enrichment opportunities that encourage learning and growth
• Mentorship, leadership opportunities, and relationship building that support social and emotional well being
• Healthy meals, physical activity, outdoor recreation, and wellness focused programming
• Opportunities for youth to build confidence, communication skills, resilience, and positive peer connections
• More than 125 years of serving youth  

How have you Impacted the County?

Each summer, the Camp Russell Campership Fund helps make camp possible for working families who are doing their best to keep up with the rising cost of everyday life. As grocery prices, utility bills, childcare costs, and transportation expenses continue to increase, many parents find themselves in the difficult position of needing reliable summer care while also struggling to afford it.

Campership support helps bridge that gap by covering a significant portion of camp costs for families who need financial assistance. For parents, it provides peace of mind knowing their child is spending the summer in a safe, supervised, and supportive environment while they are at work. For children, it provides something just as important: the chance to have a real summer experience.

At Camp Russell, children spend their days outdoors, swimming, exploring nature, building friendships, staying active, and making memories away from screens and devices. They gain confidence, independence, social connections, and experiences that stay with them long after summer ends.

The impact of campership support reaches beyond the child. It helps strengthen working families by providing stability, support, and access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.