As another summer at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) comes to a close, our members' energy and enthusiasm remain as strong as ever. With Clubhouses open all day, summer gives young people a welcome break from academic pressures and the chance to experience joy, exploration, self-discovery, and connection. Through enriching programs, real-world experiences, and caring mentorship, youth explored new interests, discovered their strengths, built skills and lasting relationships with peers and trusted adults who make our Clubhouses and Camp Mendocino feel like second homes.

As one of BGCSF's signature summer experiences, Camp Mendocino gives youth ages 8–17 the chance to unplug, explore, and grow in the heart of Mendocino County's majestic redwoods. Set on 2,000 acres along the Noyo River, Camp welcomed nearly 1,150 campers this summer—including many returning campers and youth from multi-generational Camp families—across seven week-long sessions. Campers soared through the trees on the zipline, explored archery and mountain biking, created art, cooled off in the Noyo River, and embraced beloved traditions, from spirited village cheers and flagpole ceremonies to evenings under the stars. Free from screens and immersed in nature, they discovered new strengths, forged lasting friendships, and created memories that will stay with them long after summer ends. More than just a summer camp, Camp Mendocino is a place where young people experience the joy of belonging and leave with a deeper sense of confidence, connection, and possibility.

While Camp Mendocino offered adventures in the redwoods, Clubhouses across San Francisco buzzed with activity all summer long. Through sports and outdoor recreation, BGCSF members stayed active, challenged themselves, and built lasting friendships. At the Don Fisher Clubhouse Swim Academy, youth strengthened their swimming skills, while our partnership with the MeWater Foundation gave members the opportunity to learn to surf, celebrate every wave they caught, and gain confidence in the ocean.

Young athletes also returned to the field through Junior Giants, our free, noncompetitive baseball program offered in partnership with the Giants Community Fund, where they learned the fundamentals of the game while building teamwork, leadership, respect, and sportsmanship. Soccer and basketball players sharpened their skills at our week-long SF All-Stars sports camps, where athletes of all experience levels competed, stayed active, and developed resilience in a fun, team-focused environment.

Another summer highlight—for the eleventh year running—was Summer Dance Camp, presented in partnership with the San Francisco Ballet. Professional teaching artists and musicians guided members through a week-long exploration of dance traditions from around the world, including ballet, bhangra, Bollywood, Asian folk dance, and West African dance, complete with live drumming sessions.

Alongside recreation and the arts, summer remained a time for learning and discovery. Our literacy and STEM programs help prevent summer learning loss while sparking curiosity beyond the classroom. A highlight each year is our Citywide Spelling Bee and Quiz Bowl, which brings members from every Clubhouse together to celebrate learning. Elementary school students showcased their spelling skills on stage, while middle schoolers tested their knowledge across a wide range of subjects in a fast-paced academic competition.

For BGCSF teens, summer 2026 provided meaningful opportunities to lead, advocate, and prepare for the future. Through the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program, teens developed workplace skills, gained leadership experience—including paid jobs within our Clubhouses and Camp Mendocino—and prepared for future careers.

Last month, five teen advocates joined BGCSF leadership at City Hall to speak directly with city officials about issues affecting their daily lives, including crowded bus lines, street cleanliness, school funding, and access to healthy food. We are grateful to the city leaders who took the time to listen, engage in thoughtful conversations, and invest in San Francisco's youth.

Teens also prepared for the workforce through career readiness workshops, mock interviews, and immersive visits to local employers, including Guittard Chocolate, Bay Club, Fastly, Neiman Marcus, Royal Auto, PNC, Old Navy, and Stockbridge. By connecting with industry professionals and exploring careers in technology, finance, retail, food science, automotive, and more, youth broadened their horizons, expanded their aspirations, and gained valuable insight into future career pathways.

At BGCSF, summer is more than a season—it's a time when young people discover new passions, strengthen friendships, explore their communities, and imagine bigger futures for themselves. We're proud to provide experiences that inspire, support, and empower youth, and we're grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who make these opportunities possible. As we look ahead to a new school year, we're excited to build on the momentum of another unforgettable summer.

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