Programs
Programs
Our programs are a cornerstone of the Club, offering positive, educational, and developmental experiences for our members. You can explore each program and find the appropriate contact for sign-ups and additional information by clicking on the activity.
Program registration is available through the Parent Portal under "Program Registration". Please note that all children must be registered members of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club to participate. *Currently, the only program with a separate registration link is the Meals for Teens Pilot Program - please use the corresponding link.
Crazy 8’s – 3 Sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Hands-on math fun with Meg Glidden! NBGC members will explore math through out-of-the-box activities and problem-solving challenges. There are three sessions offered for different age groups, with registration available on the Parent Portal each season.
Fall Session – 2nd & 3rd Grade
- Max: 15 participants
- Day/Time: Fridays at 3:00 PM
- 8 Classes
- Dates: Oct 3, 10, 17; Nov 7, 21; Dec 5, 12, 19
Winter Session – 4th Grade & Up
- Max: 15 participants
- Day/Time: Fridays at 3:00 PM
- 8 Classes
- Dates: To be announced
Spring Session – 2nd & 3rd Grade
- Max: 15 participants
- Day/Time: Fridays at 3:00 PM
- 8 Classes
- Dates: To be announced
Date Smart with A Safe Place (Fall)
NBGC members will learn strategies to build healthy relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. This program partners with A Safe Place Nantucket and emphasizes developing skills for respectful, safe, and positive relationships.
- Grades: 6th–9th
- Max: 25 participants
- Day/Time: Thursdays at 4:00 PM
- Dates: Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20
- Format: 8 classes starting in October
Junior Chefs -
3 Sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Three 7-10 week sessions of cooking classes are offered in the Club’s commercial kitchen, led by NBGC staff. Now in its ninth year, Jr. Chefs remains one of our most popular programs. Youth learn food prep, plating, baking, meal preparation, and culturally relevant recipes that celebrate our community.
Jr. Chefs: Grades 4–5
- Max 10 participants
- Wednesdays at 3:00 PM
- Jr. Chefs Dates (Wednesdays): Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10
Teen Jr. Chefs: Grades 6–8
- Max 10 participants
- Fridays at 6:00 PM
- Teen Jr. Chefs Dates (Fridays): Oct 3, 10, 17, 31; Nov 7, 14; Dec 5, 12
- Max 10 participants
Smart Girls - Fall Session
NBGC members participate in a small-group program focused on health, fitness, and self-esteem. Designed specifically for 3rd–5th grade girls, Smart Girls provides a safe, supportive environment to address health and social issues relevant to their development while empowering them to resist negative influences.
Grades: 3rd–5th (girls only)
- Max: 25 participants
- Day/Time: Mondays at 3:00 PM
- Dates: Oct 6, 20, 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1
- Make-up days (if needed): Dec 8, 15
- Format: 8-week program
NBGC Literacy Program: 1st-2nd Graders
The Literacy Program is designed for NBGC members who need additional support in reading and language skills. Using Lexia, students work across three key areas - speaking, listening, and grammar - while also building subject knowledge in Math, Science, Social Studies, General Knowledge, and Biographies. This balanced approach helps children strengthen both their literacy and academic confidence.
- Ages/Grades: Club members (by evaluation)
- Class Size: Max 14 participants
- Schedule: Mondays–Thursdays, 4–5 PM
- Each member will be evaluated for reading level and assigned one or two days per week to attend.
- Fall 2025 Session Dates: September 2 – December 11
- Ages/Grades: Club members (by evaluation)
Craft Making - Fall Season
NBGC members will explore their creativity through fun, hands-on arts and crafts projects designed for 1st graders. Each class introduces new skills while encouraging imagination and self-expression.
Grade: 1st
- Max: 5
- Day/Time: Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 AM
- Dates: Sept 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
- Format: 5-week program
NBGC Literacy ELL Program
The Literacy ELL Program is designed to support emergent bilingual students in grades 1–5 as they build confidence and proficiency in English. Using Lexia English, participants practice speaking, listening, and grammar through academic conversations, while also developing subject knowledge in Math, Science, Social Studies, General Knowledge, and Biographies. This blended learning approach helps students strengthen both language and academic skills in a supportive environment.
- Ages/Grades: 1st–5th grade
- Class Size: Max 5 participants
- Schedule: Fridays, 4–5 PM
- Fall 2025 Session Dates: Sept 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17, 31; Nov 7, 14; Dec 5, 12, 19
- Ages/Grades: 1st–5th grade
Fine Arts – Drawing with Faith
NBGC members will explore the basics of drawing and portrait sketching in this creative program. Students will learn fundamental skills such as pencil and pen drawing, creating linear marks, shapes, and tones on two-dimensional surfaces like drawing paper and cardstock.
- Ages/Grades: 2nd grade & up
- Class Size: Max 15 participants
- Schedule: 10 classes, Wednesdays from 3–4 PM
- Each season (Fall, Winter, Spring) will offer a new 10-week Fine Arts session.
- Fall 2025 Session Dates
- Wednesdays: Sept 10, 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec 3, 10
- Ages/Grades: 2nd grade & up
Lego Robotics: 4th-8th Graders
Lego Robotics combines Lego building with motors, sensors, and programmable bricks to create and control robotic models. Through this interactive platform, participants develop STEM skills - particularly coding and engineering- while working hands-on with design, construction, and programming. The program culminates in an off-island competition in December, giving students the chance to showcase their skills in a team setting.
- Ages/Grades: 4th–8th grade
- Class Size: Max 10 participants
- Schedule: Wednesdays & Fridays at 5:00 PM
- Session: Fall 2025 (11 weeks + competition)
- Fall 2025 Session Dates
- Wednesdays: Sept 10, 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5, 12, 19
- Fridays: Sept 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17, 31; Nov 7, 14
- Off-Island Competition: December (date TBA)
- Ages/Grades: 4th–8th grade
STEAM with the Town of Nantucket: 2nd-5th Graders
In this hands-on program, NBGC members in grades 2–5 explore how our island community operates through small-group STEAM field trips. Participants visit a variety of Town of Nantucket departments gaining insight into how essential services run and discovering potential future career opportunities right here on Nantucket.
- Ages/Grades: 2nd–5th grade
- Class Size: Max 10 participants
- Schedule: Tuesdays, 3–4 PM
- Sessions: Fall & Spring (8–10 classes each season)
- Fall 2025 Session Dates
- Sept 23; Oct 7, 16, 21, 28; Nov 18
Youth of the Year - All Ages
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs’ signature leadership program, preparing the next generation to live and lead in today’s diverse, global world.
Since 1947, it has evolved into a comprehensive pathway that develops communication, teamwork, and goal-setting skills through three key levels:
- Youth, Member, and First Grader of the Month – An ongoing recognition program that highlights members’ emerging leadership abilities and encourages them to see themselves as leaders within the Club.
- Junior Youth of the Year – For ages 10–13, this program fosters leadership readiness, preparing younger members for advanced leadership, academic success, and civic engagement.
- Youth of the Year – The highest level of leadership development, where outstanding teens are recognized locally and may advance to state, regional, and national competitions. National Youth of the Year finalists serve as ambassadors for Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide and role models for millions of youth.
- Youth, Member, and First Grader of the Month – An ongoing recognition program that highlights members’ emerging leadership abilities and encourages them to see themselves as leaders within the Club.
