Our Youth Snow Day Drop-in Program offers a warm and safe place for youth ages 7 and older while their parents work. All youth are welcome.

Children under 12 must have a parent or guardian with them at drop-off to complete a short intake form. Parents should send lunch and snacks for their children. We will not provide food. To save time, you can print out and complete the intake form ahead of time.

Find your local community center

more info on winter resources

This meet gives all BCYF swimmers the chance to end the swim season in healthy competition against other BCYF centers’ swim teams. 

Clinics will be held on Saturdays starting February 10 and ending March 3 at BCYF Blackstone Community Center in the South End. Equipment will not be provided.

Clinics for ages 12 and under will be held from 2 - 3 p.m. Clinics for ages 14 and under wil be held from 3 - 4 p.m. If you have any questions, email Bill Ryan at Bill.Ryan@Boston.gov.

BCYF Girls Initiative is working with Girls Leap to host a two-day self-defense training for girls ages 12-16. This program will take place on Tuesday, February 20, and Thursday, February 22.

Space is limited so you must RSVP to reserve a spot. Call or email Erika.Butler@Boston.Gov, 617-635-4920 x2314.

Take a look here to see what else is happening at BCYF over February school vacation week.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency, is hosting free beginner swim lessons, “Swim for Safety,” for Boston youth ages 4-12 at BCYF pools over February school vacation week. 

Boston is surrounded by water and swimming is a low-cost, healthy exercise that people can enjoy their whole lives.  BCYF Swim for Safety will help children become safe and confident around water and eager to continue to participate in aquatics programs.  BCYF Swim for Safety will be offered at several BCYF pools. The schedules vary and pre-registration is required, so contact the pool directly for more information and to register.  

• BCYF Blackstone Community Center, South End, 617-635-5162
• BCYF Flaherty Pool, Roslindale, 617-635-5181
• BCYF Hennigan Community Center, Jamaica Plain, 617-635-5198
• BCYF Leahy-Holloran Community Center, Dorchester, 617-635-5150

Take a look here to see what else is happening at BCYF over February school vacation week.

• Drop-in, no pre-registration required.
• We require a caregiver to participate during Family Gym. Fun and safety are our priorities.
• Caregivers must remain in the gym with their children at all times.
• Legal guardian must sign a waiver before child can participate.

Learn more about BCYF Blackstone

• Drop-in, no pre-registration required.
• We require a caregiver to participate during Family Gym. Fun and safety are our priorities.
• Caregivers must remain in the gym with their children at all times.
• Legal guardian must sign a waiver before child can participate.

Learn more about BCYF Blackstone

• Drop-in, no pre-registration required.
• We require a caregiver to participate during Family Gym. Fun and safety are our priorities.
• Caregivers must remain in the gym with their children at all times.

Note: BCYF Family Gym will not take place at BCYF Holland on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Families are welcome to join in the fun at BCYF Blackstone or BCYF Madison Park.

Learn more about BCYF Holland

The plunge is hosted by the L Street Brownies at the BCYF Curley Community Center. The center is located 1663 Columbia Road in South Boston. Use the "M" Street entrance.  Due to the tide schedule, it will start at 9 a.m. Other information you should know:

• Doors open at 8:15 a.m. and close at 9:30 a.m. Building closes for the day at 10:30 a.m. 
• Participants should arrive dressed for the water as the men’s and women’s locker and shower rooms will not be available.
• Water shoes are suggested due to shells and rocks left by the tide.
• Pets are not allowed, please leave your furry friends at home.
• No alcohol.
• There is no need to pre-register. You will be asked to fill out a short form when you arrive.
• Lifeguards will be on duty.
• Participants must be age 16 and older.
• Leave the little ones at home. There are no inside areas available to leave them during the swim.

This event has taken place for over 100 years. The Brownies are the oldest “polar bear” club in America.  The Brownies promote health, fun, and friendship.  Each year, the plunge is dedicated to past and recently deceased Brownies.  Spectators are welcome and creative costumes are encouraged. 

All slots are now full - names will be added to a waiting list and will be contacted if space becomes available.

The BCYF Girls Initiative is hosting a holiday Girls Night at Boston Bowl. Pizza and a drink will be provided as well as Candlepin and Tenpin bowling.

Please RSVP to erika.butler@boston.gov to join the waiting list.