Boys & Girls Club of Chicago Donate Volunteer Sign up
Who We ArePrograms and ServicesGet InvolvedOur ClubsNews & EventsCareers
Our Clubs

What does a Boys & Girls Clubs offer to kids?
In a nutshell, a Boys & Girls Club is a safe place for kids that is supervised by paid professional staff who offer fun and engaging programs for kids everyday at an affordable price. The Clubs offer a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of various ages and interests – leadership and volunteering clubs, homework help, computers, games, sports, dance, swimming, photography, arts and crafts, discussion groups, college prep, youth employment, movie making, delinquency prevention, and more. Boys & Girls Clubs offer something for every young person.

How old do the kids have to be?
Generally, Boys & Girls Clubs serve young people between the ages of 6-18. Some of our school-based programs serve kids in age ranges that are served by that specific school, such as high school-age kids and elementary-age kids. Please contact a Club directly to find a Club near you and inquire about the ages of its members or call (312) 235-8000.

Is the organization hiring? How do I apply for a job?
Please see the Careers section for a full list of available employment opportunities, which are updated regularly. Resumes and cover letters should be e-mailed to kmcmanaman@bgcc.org. Please apply for one specific position.

Are there any volunteer opportunities available?
We have many volunteer positions to meet your schedule, interests and desired location. Please see our Volunteer section to review the types of opportunities available and then download our volunteer application form (pdf, 18kb). You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.

How can I sign-up my child? Is there a Boys & Girls Club near me?
First, find a Club near your home, work or your child’s school by linking to our map of locations on our site. You will need to complete a membership application. You can get an application by visiting the Club or by downloading a membership application [link to membership application] from the site. Membership is $20 for one year.

Why is membership only $20 per year?
We keep our membership fees low so all children have the opportunity to belong to a Boys & Girls Club. As a not-for-profit agency, we are fortunate to have several partners who support Boys & Girls Clubs so we can employ trained professionals and offer a wide array of programs.

Do Boys & Girls Clubs have summer programs?
During the summer, many of our Clubs offer full-day summer camp programs for an additional fee. These programs begin in the morning and end in the early evening. Additionally, our Clubs are still open in the afternoons to all current Boys & Girls Club members who may not need a full-day program. Find a Club near you and call for more information about its summer program offering and fee.

How is a Boys & Girls Club different from other youth organizations?
Boys & Girls Clubs are dedicated facilities that are especially designed for young people up to the age of 18. As a result, young people find a unique sense of belonging at the Club. The Clubs are open every day after school and are supervised by trained youth development professionals and not just volunteers. The Clubs offer a wide variety of programs that build character, enhance education, cultivate creativity, encourage fitness and teamwork and teach important life skills. This gives young people opportunity to choose from a variety of activities. What’s more is that we’re affordable for all youth at only $20 a year.

Do you accept donated items that have been used?
We accept items that are in good condition and can definitely be used by our Clubs. To donate an item, please contact Janelle St. John at jstjohn@bgcc.org or (312) 235-8027.

Quote
Did you know?
What percentage of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni have said their Club 'saved my life?'
49%
52%
37%
66%