Mayor Walsh announces FREE weekday summer programming for youth

With the start of Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) summer programming set for July 7th, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Christopher Byner, BCYF’s Interim Executive Director, today announced that BCYF will offer FREE weekday summer programs for youth at 13 locations throughout the City. These programs are in addition to the extensive summer opportunities offered at the 35 BCYF community centers and through BCYF’s recreation division.

“It is so important for our young people and their families to stay active and engaged during the summer months,” said Mayor Walsh. “I’m pleased that the City of Boston has a variety of options for youth -- from a strong summer jobs program to activities at BCYF that range in focus from exercise and sports programs to arts and science.”

This summer BCYF will host 10 free daily drop-in programs for youth ages 8-18 called “Summer Fun Stops” at locations from Charlestown to West Roxbury. The Fun Stops will run from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will offer a variety of fun and engaging structured activities led by BCYF summer staff. There is no pre-registration, just show up! A short form must be filled out on the first visit. Lunch is available onsite or nearby at all Fun Stops.

Activities at the BCYF Fun Stops include: arts and crafts, science projects, group games, sports competitions, and swimming (most locations.)

Locations and telephone numbers of the Summer Fun Stops are: BCYF Blackstone Community Center, 50 W. Brookline St., South End, 617-635-5162; BCYF Clougherty Pool @ Doherty Park, Bunker Hill St., Charlestown, 617-635-5174; BCYF Flaherty Pool @ Healy Field, 160 Florence St., Roslindale, 617-635-5181; BCYF Holland Community Center, 85 Olney St., Dorchester, 617-635-5144; BCYF Jackson/Mann Community Center, @ Ringer Park, Gordon St., Allston, 617-635-5153; BCYF Leahy-Holloran Community Center@ Garvey Park, Neponset Ave., Dorchester, 617-635-5150; BCYF Mildred Avenue Community Center, Mildred Ave., Mattapan, 617-635-1328; BCYF Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris St., East Boston, 617-635-5125; CYF Roche Community Center @ Billings Field, LaGrange St., West Roxbury, 617-635-5066; CYF Tobin Community Center @ Smith Field, Tremont St., Mission Hill, 617-635-5216.

“Our Fun Stops are interactive, fun and best of all, free!” said Christopher Byner. “The flexible schedule is convenient for young people who are in summer school or attend a morning program or job and want to participate in an afternoon summer program.”

Looking for something more sport oriented? BCYF offers three more free daily programs: the BCYF East Boston Summer Recreation and Sports Center and the BCYF Moakley Park and While Stadium Sports Centers. The Sports Centers are available to youth ages 7 to 14 and run throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth are invited to attend one of these sports camps to try out a new sport or improve on their existing skills and most of all, have fun while being active! Activities offered differ slightly by location but may include: baseball/softball, tennis, basketball, football, golf and soccer as well as a variety of non-sports recreational activities. The White Stadium Sports Center also offers an academic enrichment program every Monday. Information and an application for the Sports Centers can be found on the Summer Page of the BCYF website, www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf.

In addition to these featured free programs, BCYF’s community centers offer summer day camps and programs, and the recreation division hosts dozens of recreation programs, tournaments and leagues throughout the summer. For more information, check out the BCYF website.