The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro begins 2024 at its Flat Street Teen Club with programming that offers a full range of skill-based programs focusing on workforce development, community service, environmental stewardship, and academic achievement.
The club is collaborating with HatchSpace, River Gallery School, the Art Lords, The Women's Freedom Center, The New England Skateboard Association, Brattleboro Recreation & Parks, and the Brattleboro Police Department for these programs, which are free for members.
Membership is available for youth in the community in grades 6–12. Membership is $25 for the year. No one is turned away for lack of funds. While all programs are free for members, space is limited to 6–12 participants per program, and registration is required. Find out more at bit.ly/748-bgc.
Program highlights include:
• Dungeons and Dragons, Mondays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Girl Talk with the Women's Freedom Center, Tuesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Minecraft, Wednesdays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Mural Mania with the Art Lords, Thursdays, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Skateboarding Lessons with the New England Skateboard Association, Thursdays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Free Throw Fridays with the Brattleboro Police.
In addition to these offerings, the club will offer a Safe Sitter certification program on Thursdays, Feb. 29 and March 7 and 14. The club will also partner with HatchSpace to make new gaming tables after the February break.
The club is open Monday to Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., for members in grades 6–12. It offers the area's only indoor skate park; a tech lab; a game room with a pool table, ping pong, and more; a performance space, and a music room.
They provide transportation from Brattleboro Area Middle School to the club every day and offer daily "Power Hour" homework help and academic support.
In alignment with the club's mission, they have a technology policy that limits the amount of time members are able to be on their devices to provide a phone-free oasis for members and a chance to step away from their technology.
The club also offers after school programming at Retreat Farm for grades K–5. This outdoor, licensed program allows their youngest members to learn about the natural world, play in the woods, and gain skills and confidence through healthy risk taking and problem-solving. Limited spots are available. Learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro on Facebook or visit bgcbrattleboro.org.
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