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When school lets out for summer, working parents face a familiar challenge: finding quality care that keeps kids engaged, learning, and safe for eight full weeks. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties runs a comprehensive summer program from June 1 through July 31, serving youth ages 6-18 at seven locations across the region. Rather than simply providing supervision, the program focuses on preventing summer learning loss while building skills that help young people become future-ready leaders.
Every day includes educational activities designed to keep skills sharp between school years. Members work on reading, math, and STEM activities appropriate to their grade level. Beyond academics, daily programming includes arts and crafts projects, physical fitness and sports activities, and technology instruction. For teens, the program adds career exploration opportunities, leadership development, and real-world skill building. To learn more about Teen Programs, visit theclubsdc.org
The schedule balances structured learning with creative play. Members can also take part in specialty programs that go beyond the daily routine, like the Future Leaders Academy, a junior leadership program that empowers members to build confidence, find their voice, and develop the skills to lead with purpose.
For teens, programming is built around eight pillars that prepare them for life after the Club: Advocacy, College & Career, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Sports & Wellness, Vocational, Volunteerism, and Workforce. Together, these focus areas help teens grow into confident, future-ready leaders prepared for college, career, and community.
Yes, the menu includes hot meals like popcorn chicken with mashed potatoes, rotini with meat sauce and garlic breadsticks, cheeseburgers, beef tacos, and macaroni and cheese. Breakfast options range from cereal packs to whole grain cinnamon rolls with mozzarella sticks.
Our Newtown Estates, Roy McBean, and Louis and Gloria Boys & Girls Clubs also provide dinner, giving families peace of mind that their child has access to nutritious meals all day long, without the need to pack lunches or worry about food during the summer break.
Safety drives every decision at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. All staff members undergo thorough background checks at the local, state, and national levels.
Staff receive ongoing training in youth development and safety protocols. The organization conducts annual safety assessments and maintains a confidential safety hotline (1-866-607-SAFE) where anyone can report concerns. All staff are mandatory reporters, trained to recognize and report any safety issues to appropriate authorities.
National recognition backs this up: Boys & Girls Clubs of America honored Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties with the National Safety Committee of the Year Award. Guided by a Safety Committee of leaders in law enforcement, education, healthcare, and more, the Club has strengthened emergency procedures, expanded security coverage, and built safety into daily operations. At the Club, safety isn't just a priority. It is a core value.
Membership fees vary by location. Two Clubs (Newtown Estates Park and Louis and Gloria Flanzer in Arcadia) offer completely free summer programming. Other locations range from $55 to $350 for the entire eight-week summer. Many families qualify for scholarships through the National School Lunch Program. If your family receives free or reduced lunch during the school year, you can apply the same approval letter to your scholarship request. For more information about cost and scholarships, please visit, bgcsdc.org/summer-program
The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing working parents with reliable care that covers a full workday. When you factor in nutritious meals, activities, field trips, and supervision for ten hours daily across eight weeks, the value becomes clear.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties operates with a mission: to inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. This isn't about keeping kids occupied; it's about building emerging leaders who develop confidence, life skills, and character.
Members learn to see themselves as changemakers and future leaders. The consistent adult mentors, structured programming, and positive peer relationships create an environment where young people thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. This meaningful engagement produces a lasting impact that extends well beyond summer.
Registration opens online at bgcsdc.org, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The summer and school-year programs are separate, so families need to register specifically for summer even if their child attends during the academic year.
With a summer full of opportunities, friendships, and unforgettable experiences ahead, there’s never been a better time to join the Club and make this your best summer yet.
