Boston Centers for Youth & Families offering virtual programming for teens this summer

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) today announced registration has opened for a variety of summer teen programs, all of which are designed and will be operated in accordance with current public health guidelines.

"While this summer will look different in Boston because of the ongoing public health crisis, we're excited to offer virtual programs for Boston teens," said Mayor Walsh. "A lot of hard work and creativity went into adapting our most popular programs, so I want to thank BCYF for making them possible. Like every summer, we are committed to engaging our teenagers and connecting them to positive opportunities for growth."

Boston teens can register now for BCYF Snap Shot teen photography program, BCYF SuperTeens pre-employment program for young teens, BCYF Adventure Girls, and Girls Days Out and Self Expressions workshops:

BCYF Snap Shot Teen Photography program is a unique summer job program for youth ages 16 to 18, in partnership with the John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars Program. Youth receive a paycheck while participating in the program. This virtual program will introduce participants to all aspects of photography. Led by a professional photographer, the program includes opportunities to conduct "photo shoots," virtual visits to museums and art galleries, digital photo editing lessons, online personal development workshops led by John Hancock, and opportunities to serve as a "staff photographer" for BCYF.

BCYF SuperTeens program teaches teens ages 13 and 14 life readiness and resiliency to help prepare them for their upcoming academic year and future employment. While the 2020 summer program will look much different due to the current public health crisis, BCYF is committed to providing this critical enrichment program for youth in a virtual environment. The SuperTeens will be mentored by BCYF staff throughout the summer, and they will participate in online webinars and professional development workshops that will highlight employment skills. The SuperTeens will also participate in weekly social and recreational activities including virtual group field trips to museums around the world, virtual escape rooms, and online challenges that include design and journalism activities. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their first paycheck in the form of a stipend, and they will also be provided with opportunities that encourage civic engagement and physical health and wellness. The SuperTeens program is sponsored by Comcast and The Foundation for BCYF, and is generously supported by MassHousing, MCCA, NBT II Foundation, and The Boston Foundation.

BCYF Adventure Girls will take place virtually Monday through Friday for girls ages 9-12. This summer the program participants will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and online activities that tie into outdoor adventures while promoting teamwork, and building self-esteem and leadership skills. 

BCYF Girls Leadership Corps will participate in a virtual program that provides the girls with gender-specific workshops and activities. Special pop-up guests will be invited to speak virtually with the girls. Workshop topics will include self-defense with Girls LEAP; hygiene, leadership, and empowerment with the YW F.R.Y.E. program; self-care with ABCD; and more. The GLC girls are currently planning activities that Boston girls are invited to register for including Girls Day Out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring Zumba and walking in Hemingway Park, virtual Girls Nights on Mondays, and Girls Self-Expressions weekly on Wednesdays, promoting self-love through writing, poetry, and song while allowing girls to explore their feelings and emotions. 

"We are looking forward to providing our teens with engaging and fun summer programming knowing that this is a difficult time with important new regulations and practices to follow," said William Morales, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. "We have a diverse menu of virtual options planned and look forward to "seeing" our youth again. 

The programs are expected to run from Monday, July 6 through Friday, August 14. Interested youth can apply here: Boston.Gov/BCYF.  

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston's largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees citywide programs including the nationally-recognized violence intervention and prevention SOAR Program( formerly Streetworker Program), the GIRLS Initiative, Camp Joy special needs program and many aquatic offerings.