Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Michigan Expanding Summer Programs Sites

Submitted by Sherri Ulleg, VP of Marketing and External Communications

Benton Harbor, MI ~ May 17, 2023

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan is pleased to announce an expansion of summer program sites funded by an Out-of-School Time grant from the Michigan Department of Education. The Clubs are currently accepting applications for summer memberships.

Since 2017, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan has expanded from its two legacy sites in Benton Harbor to ten Clubs serving five southwest Michigan communities. Replicating the successful model founded in Benton Harbor has allowed the Clubs to reach new young people and help them develop into the future leaders of their communities. This year, the Club is celebrating 25 years of service.

In addition to its legacy sites in Benton Harbor, the Fettig Youth Campus and the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, and current operations in Benton Heights, Bridgman, South Haven, St. Joseph and Sturgis, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan will add new summer sites in Buchanan, Lawrence, St. Joseph’s John and Dede Howard Ice Arena, Three Oaks and White Pigeon. For more information on locations, hours and registration, visit bgcswmi.org. Registration is priced affordably with a one-time $5.00 fee for the summer session (June through August). Space is limited.

The summer session begins on June 5, 2023, in Sturgis and White Pigeon and on June 12, 2023, for all other Club locations. Programs end on August 18.

The Clubs offer a great option for summer activities for kids and teens. While opportunities and age restrictions vary by Club, programs include age-appropriate games, sports and fitness, arts, academic support, STEAM activities, Friday field trips and activities designed around weekly themes. Summer highlights include water parks, zoo trips, hands-on STEAM projects, culinary arts, swimming, surf lessons and more. Clubs are the places where every member has the knowledge to make health choices, graduates high school with a plan, and has the confidence to build a great future.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan is hiring seasonal employees at all summer locations. This is a great opportunity for college students, teachers, retirees, and community members who want to get involved. The Club is committed to hiring and developing a skilled and passionate team and is continuously looking for talented individuals interested in working with youth. Visit bgcswmi.org for more information and available opportunities.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan or to schedule an interview, contact Sherri Ulleg at 269.363.4806 or sulleg@bgcbh.org.

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