Summer is a meaningful time for youth to relax, explore new interests, and simply be kids. At Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, our summer programs complement the school year by offering full-day experiences that support learning beyond the classroom. Through hands-on activities, enrichment programs, and opportunities to build friendships, youth engage in fun, low-stress environments designed to support growth, confidence, and connection.

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At our Clubhouses and Camp Mendocino, summer is a season of exploration, skill-building, and belonging. With extended hours, youth participate in field trips, specialized programming, and high-quality community partnerships that expand learning beyond the Club. Many members attend for eight to ten hours a day throughout the summer, creating opportunities for deeper relationship-building with peers and caring staff mentors.

Our Approach to Summer

BGCSF’s summer programs are designed to be joyful, enriching, and expansive—combining fun with meaningful learning, real-world experiences, and strong mentorship. These extended days and shared experiences help turn Clubhouses and Camp Mendocino into second homes for many youth.

Summer Programming

Academic Success

Through thoughtfully designed literacy and STEM programming, we combat summer learning loss and spark a love of learning outside the classroom.

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Good Character and Community Engagement

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Good character and community engagement are at the heart of summer at BGCSF, empowering youth to lead with purpose and make a difference. Through age-appropriate leadership clubs, teens build skills, strengthen their voices, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. 

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Healthy Lifestyles

Summers at the Club reflect our ongoing commitment to healthy lifestyles through daily play, structured sports, and wellness activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.

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From Junior Giants baseball and swim lessons to cooking classes and gardening projects, youth stay active, try new things, and build lifelong healthy habits in a supportive environment. Summer also allows us to explore partnerships that provide unique opportunities, such as surfing lessons with the MeWater Foundation.

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Job Readiness with Earning Potential

Our summer programs help teens build critical skills for the future. Through the Leaders-in-Training (LIT)program, youth gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to lead within the Club.

Workshops on mock interviews, paired with real-world career exposure visits to local companies, give teens the confidence and tools to take their next steps toward employment and independence.

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Unique Experiences

Arts Partnerships

Arts programming is a vital part of summer at BGCSF, offering youth creative outlets for self-expression, confidence-building, and cultural connection. 

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Field Trips

Field trips are a cornerstone of summer, giving youth the chance to explore new neighborhoods and expand their perspective. For many members, these outings are first-time experiences—making memories that last long after summer ends.

Camp Mendocino

All Club members have the opportunity to attend our 2,000-acre residential summer camp located 3.5 hours north of San Francisco in a beautiful redwood forest. Camp Mendocino provides a creative, fun, and supportive camping experience for youth.

Visit campmendocino.org to learn more.

SF All-Stars Sports Camps

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is also pleased to offer week-long SF All-Stars Sports Camps at several locations throughout the city. Led by experienced coaches, these camps emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive mentorship while giving young athletes the chance to build skills, make friends, and enjoy healthy competition in a fun, values-driven environment. Players leave with a stronger foundation in fundamental skills, improved game awareness and decision-making, and greater confidence and character—on and off the field. Sports offerings include basketball, soccer, and more. Learn more at www.kidsclub.org/programs/sf-all-stars-sports-camps.

Healthy Meals & Your Peace of Mind

At the Club, youth are provided all-natural, healthy snacks and lunch. All meals are prepared fresh daily with no artificial preservatives, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup in any of the food served

A Safe, Supportive Environment for Every Child

Above all, summer at Boys & Girls Clubs is a safe, welcoming space where youth feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Our organization is committed to the highest standards of safety and integrity and maintains a zero tolerance policy for behavior that harms a child. Our Clubhouses are designed and programmed to be physically and emotionally safe places for our children and teens, under the guidance of caring, highly trained, and trustworthy staff.

Ready to Join the Fun?

Registration is open now! Visit kidsclub.org/summerdetails to learn more and register. 

Summer 2026 at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is shaping up to be a season of friendship, adventure, skill-building, and unforgettable memories — and we can’t wait to share it with your family.