NBGC’s First College Tour Takes Flight

June 3, 2025

From April 21–25, 2025, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club took a bold step in expanding educational access for island youth. For the first time in our 80-year history, the Club organized an off-island college tour, bringing ten Nantucket High School students to North Carolina to visit three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina Central University.


For many participants, this marked their first time visiting colleges outside the Northeast—an opportunity to broaden their perspectives and imagine futures beyond familiar surroundings. Students Rihanna C., Jazmine F., Travon J., Ebony M., Gaven S., Vallon J., TQ S., Kellyane R., Nicoli M., and Rashaun W. traveled alongside Club staff Joseph H. and Emily M. for the five-day trip during April school break.


“Getting off-island and seeing what’s out there—it meant a lot to these kids,” said Joe. “They were curious, engaged, and open to the experience. You could tell it made a difference.”


The group departed Nantucket on Monday, April 21, taking the ferry to Hyannis before traveling to Logan Airport and flying into Raleigh-Durham. Each day was packed with activity—from guided campus tours and student-led Q&As to group dinners and recreational outings including Topgolf and the North Carolina Zoo. A highlight for many was a lively step show at Winston-Salem State University, which brought energy, culture, and school spirit to the forefront of the tour.


Beyond the activities, the experience gave students a firsthand look at college life and sparked conversations about future goals. One participant even took the initiative to connect with a college coach about athletic opportunities—a powerful example of what exposure and encouragement can lead to.


This trip represents more than a milestone—it reflects the Club’s long-standing commitment to education as a core pillar of youth development. From our Club Jr. preschoolers learning foundational skills to our teens navigating college readiness, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club is proud to walk alongside our members every step of the way.


As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, this tour symbolizes the direction we’re heading: forward, outward, and always in support of the next generation of Nantucket leaders.


Thank you to the McHenry-Assaf family for making this trip possible. Your support gave our students the chance to explore new opportunities and take meaningful steps toward their future.

Trip at a Glance:

Dates: April 21–25, 2025

Colleges Visited:

– Winston-Salem State University

– North Carolina A&T State University

– North Carolina Central University

Participants: 10 high school students + 2 NBGC staff

Miles Traveled: 1,200+ round trip

Highlights:

– Winston-Salem State University campus step show

– Student-led Q&A sessions

– Topgolf group dinner

– Visit to the North Carolina Zoo

– First-time college visits outside the Northeast

Club Kids Bloom at Daffy Arrangement Competition 🌼

May 15, 2025
In the days leading up to Nantucket’s iconic Daffodil Festival, nine talented members of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club joined forces with the Nantucket Garden Club for a fun and floral collaboration. Hosted at Essex Park, this year’s youth floral design workshop had a playful twist: the theme was “Monster Mash!” Our Club kids let their creativity run wild—pairing bright daffodils with googly eyes, fuzzy pom-poms, and pops of color to bring their monstrous masterpieces to life. Their finished arrangements were proudly displayed at Bartlett’s Farm during the annual flower show, standing among an impressive lineup of local competitors. We’re thrilled to share that nearly every one of our participants earned a ribbon, with several taking home third and second place awards—and one standout arrangement securing a first place blue ribbon! A heartfelt thank you to the Nantucket Garden Club for welcoming our members and encouraging their artistic expression. Opportunities like these give our youth a chance to build confidence, explore creativity, and celebrate the joy of community traditions. We’re proud of our Club kids for showing up, standing out, and making the island just a little bit brighter—one daffodil at a time. 🌼💛

NBGC Shows Up Rain or Shine for the 48th Annual Daffodil Festival

April 29, 2025
This past weekend, the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club proudly participated in the 48th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival, marking our first-ever appearance in 'Sconset as part of our 80th-anniversary celebrations. Despite the rainy weather, our team showed up with enthusiasm and dedication, embodying our commitment to being a steadfast presence for our community, no matter the circumstances. At our vibrant booth, we offered free juice boxes, delightful cake pops, NBGC-themed coloring books, and crayons to festival-goers of all ages. Our staff and volunteers were on hand to share information about the wide range of programs and services we offer at the Club, from after-school activities to summer camps, emphasizing our mission to support and uplift the youth of Nantucket. Adding to the festive spirit, our Board Chair, Matt MacEachern, joined the festivities alongside his dog Lucky, helping to spread smiles and celebrate the day. Our participation in this beloved island tradition underscores our unwavering dedication to the Nantucket community. Rain or shine, the NBGC remains committed to being a reliable and supportive resource for families and children across the island. As we celebrate 80 years of service, we look forward to continuing our involvement in community events and finding new ways to connect with and support our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth—we're grateful for your support.

NBGC Hits the Road for Statewide E-Sports Showdown

April 28, 2025
The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, in partnership with Comcast, hosted its first-ever E-Sports Tournament on April 24th at Patriots Place in Foxborough. The event brought together 14 Clubs from across eastern and western Massachusetts, with 55 youth participants representing their communities in a high-energy, Mario Kart-themed competition. The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club proudly took four competitors off-island to join the action: Georgie R., Jack M., Alex I. and Tyreke T. While they didn’t place this time, they competed with outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship, representing our Club with pride. E-Sports has become one of the most popular programs at NBGC, thanks to the leadership of staff members Trey G., and Jehren B., who have created a welcoming and competitive space for members to build skills in teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy. We’re proud of our participants and grateful to have been part of this inaugural tournament—we’re already looking forward to the next one!

Gap Energy Grant Project

April 27, 2025
We are proud to take part in the Gap Energy Grant project, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Energy Results Program (MassDEP, CERP). Take a look at our solar panels, which are on top of all NBGC Employee Housing buildings that house 90% of our full time year round staff. The Gap Energy Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Energy Results Program (MassDEP, CERP). The Gap Energy Grant is an innovative and cost-effective funding model that produces energy-efficient and renewable energy project results!

Stop & Shop Snack Shack Partnership: 2nd Year!

April 5, 2025
Stop & Shop Snack Shack Partnership: 2nd Year! 2024 marks the second year of the Stop & Shop - NBGC Snack Shack Partnership. In 2023 and 2024, Stop & Shop will have donated over $50,000.00 worth of free snacks to the NBGC Snack Shack. Daily, NBGC members receive free and healthy snacks from the Snack Shack. Snacks include string cheese, fresh fruit, frozen yogurt, apple sauce, goldfish, granola bars, and more! The Snack Shack is open daily at 3pm and 4:30pm. We are so grateful to both the corporate and local stores for facilitating this amazing partnership.