Start of summer youth programming for Boston Centers for Youth & Families announced

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) today announced that online registration has opened for City-operated summer youth programs and classes, all of which are designed and will be operated in accordance with current public health guidelines. All BCYF community centers have been closed for in-person programming and recreation due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, with the exception of select locations that have served as meal sites only. Some summer teen programs were transitioned to be offered virtually. 

"It is very important that our youth in every neighborhood can continue to have access to programming this summer as many families rely on them," said Mayor Walsh. "BCYF has worked hard to create a menu of recreational activities at each center, both virtual and in-person, that will offer youth a variety of fun and enriching opportunities."

Programming for Boston youth ages 7 and above is available for registration now at Boston.gov/BCYF-Summer. The free programs will be held both remotely and in person at BCYF community centers across the city. A wide variety of options are available, including arts and computer activities, recreational programs, virtual field trips, workshops, and more. At this time, BCYF centers and indoor pools will be available only for youth during registered in-person summer programming, following public health guidelines. 

"While this summer will certainly be different, we are committed to providing safe, healthy, and engaging summer activities for our youth," said William Morales, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. "We are carefully reviewing programming guidelines as they are released and updated and all of our summer programs were designed and will be operated in accordance with current public health guidelines. We can't wait to see your children in our buildings--and virtually." 

Parents will be able to search for one-time classes or on-going programs where they can then narrow down their search by community center, age group, category, and more. As more programs and activities are finalized they will be added to the website and available for registration. 

Overnight camps will not be permitted until Summer 2021 due to State regulations during the current COVID-19 public health crisis. For current summer day programs there can be no field trips, activities are restricted, enrollment is restricted, volunteers are not allowed, visitors are not allowed, no outside groups can come to centers and very strict cleaning and sanitation guidelines need to be followed. 

These programs are in addition to a variety of expanded BCYF programming for teens which began on Monday, July 6 and includes over 600 youth jobs through the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program. Job applications are still available for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 in the City of Boston.

BCYF community centers will also continue to distribute meals to youth throughout the summer as part of the Boston Summer Eats program. The complete list of meal locations can be found here.