Swimming

Swimming is a vital part of our summer camp programming as it offers some of our youth their only opportunity to have access to a pool and swimming lessons.

The four pools at our Clubs were open this summer, and our kids were excited! If it was a pool day at the Club, members never forgot to bring their swimming suits.

They played Marco Polo, hit around a beach ball or some, who were certified, would take laps in the deep end.

Summer Brain Gain

BGCC's Summer Brain Gain program, which is broken into two parts, STEM and reading, helps our Club members combat summer learning loss.

Throughout the summer, our staff provide kids with fun, educational activities to keep their minds engaged during the summer months.

From creating Lego robotic cars to virtual summer reads with children's book authors to creating stop motion videos, the learning never stopped!

Field Trips

One of the most important offerings of the BGCC Summer Camp experience is field trips. Many of our Club members do not have the chance to explore the world outside their communities - field trips give them that chance.

Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo are some of our kids' favorites, as well as the Enchanted Castle entertainment complex, where kids can do bumper cars, arcade games and indoor rides! 

But sometimes it's the traditional locations that can add the most fun, whether it be the beach, Maggie Daley Park, mini-golfing or bowling – our kids always have fun!

Partnerships

BGCC is lucky to have valued partners who help provide unique and fun opportunities for our Club members and the summertime is no different.

Thanks to the Chicago Bears, three of our Clubs attended Bears Family Fest and watched a Bears practice live from Soldier Field!

And what's summer without baseball? In partnership with the MLB Play Ball grant and the Chicago White Sox, our Valentine Club was able to run a baseball/softball clinic.

Our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club was able to enjoy a second session of the Chill Foundation skateboard lessons. Kids learned how to skateboard, but more importantly, they learned about self-confidence, patience and teamwork.

Special Opportunities

One of the best parts about BGCC Summer Camp is that it offers some special opportunities for our Club members – whether it be an activity they never tried or visiting a place they've never been.

This summer our kids had the chance to learn boating skills from the Chicago Maritime Arts Center, tennis from the United States Tennis Association and our teens got the chance to attend a two-week trip out West to learn about the travel industry thanks to Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.

Other unique experiences included a Chicago Bears football clinic, a True Value backyard Olympics day and block party events right outside their Club! And countless other special memories! 

Check out some more fun below!