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.
April Vacation Program
The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club is open to non-members in Kindergarten through 8th grade during Nantucket Public Schools’ April Vacation Week.
Dates: April 21–24
Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Cost:
$100.00
Please note:
Kindergarten students are only eligible to attend the Club during this April vacation week. The Club will be closed on Monday, April 20 in observance of Patriots Day.
How to Register
To sign up, please log in to or create a Parent Portal.
From there, select:
Program Registrations → Non-Member Opportunities
Payment is due by April 18.
Fishing Rod Building Program| Winter & Spring 2026
NBGC members learn how to build their own custom fishing rods while exploring Nantucket’s rich fishing traditions. Working alongside local expert Jeff Allen of Fishstix, participants gain hands-on experience and take part in a culminating fishing charter using the rods they build.
Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Grades: 6th Grade & up
Capacity: 6 participants per group
Session Options:
Group 1: January 31 – February 14 (concluded)
Group 2: March 14 – March 28
Includes: Fishing charter experience in the spring
Registration: Program is currently full.
Spanish Club| Winter 2026
Spanish Club introduces 1st grade students to the Spanish language and Hispanic and Latino cultures through songs, art, and hands-on activities. Students build confidence while learning basic vocabulary in a fun and welcoming environment.
Instructor: Yesica Guiterrez-Deras
Schedule: Saturdays, March 7 – March 28
Time: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Grades: 1st Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Registration: Closed
Lego Robotics | Winter and Spring 2026
NBGC has proudly offered its LEGO® Robotics program for 12 years and counting. NBGC’s LEGO Robotics program engages youth in hands-on building and programming while developing skills in engineering, coding, and problem-solving. Participants also have the opportunity to compete in the FIRST LEGO League.
Instructor: Emma Petracca
Schedule: Wednesdays & Thursdays, January 21 – June 4
Time: 5:00 PM
Grades: 2nd–5th Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Fine Arts Program | Winter 2026
Members will learn fashion basics in a hands-on classroom setting while developing foundational skills such as pencil and pen sketching, creating collages on drawing paper or cardstock, and exploring a variety of fabrics through guided activities. Fashionistas will also have the opportunity to explore their personal interests and express their unique sense of style throughout the club.
Instructor: Faith Hensley
Schedule: Wednesdays, January 21–March 25
Time: 3:00 PM
Grades: 2nd–5th Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Junior Chefs | Spring 2026
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.
Spring session dates are TBD, as our staff is completing their ServSafe course.
Anticipated start date is April 2026.
Book Club| Winter 2026
Book Club helps students build reading, discussion, and teamwork skills while exploring engaging stories together. This session will focus on The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey, a fun and accessible choice for developing readers.
Instructor: Jaedeen Harrison
Schedule: Fridays, March 13–May 15
Time: 4:00 PM
Grades: 3rd Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Registration: Open via the Parent Portal
Tween Junior Chefs | Spring 2026
Tween Junior Chefs is a six-session cooking program held in the Club’s commercial kitchen and led by NBGC staff. Now in its ninth year, this special edition of our beloved Junior Chefs program is designed specifically for middle and high school youth. Participants build hands-on skills in food preparation, plating, baking, and meal planning while exploring culturally relevant recipes that celebrate our community.
Spring session dates are TBD, as our staff is completing their ServSafe course.
Anticipated start date is April 2026.
Crazy 8's | Spring 2026
NBGC is excited to welcome back the hands-on math fun of Crazy 8’s with Meg Glidden! Students in grades 3–5 will explore math through out-of-the-box activities and creative problem-solving. This engaging STEM program offers three seasonal sessions tailored to different age groups. Each session will be available for registration through the Parent Portal.
Instructor: Meg Glidden
Schedule: Fridays, April 3–May 15 (No class April 24)
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Grades: 2nd–3rd Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Registration: Open on the Parent Portal.
E-Sports Club | Winter & Spring 2026
This winter and spring, Esports Club will resume for students in grades 3–8. Participants will compete in popular video games while engaging in meaningful learning experiences that connect gameplay to history, computer science, and real-world technology career pathways. The program emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and digital literacy, offering a structured and educational approach to competitive gaming
Instructor: Trey Geier
Schedule: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, January 27–May 27
Time: 5:00 PM
Grades: 3rd–8th Grade
Capacity: Up to 30 participants
Registration: Open via the Parent Portal
NBGC Choir | Winter 2026
NBGC partners with the Nantucket Community Music Center to offer a youth choir experience where members explore singing, build confidence, and connect through music. The program concludes with a seasonal performance.
Instructor: Emma Petracca
Schedule: Tuesdays, February–March 26th
Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
Grades: 2nd–6th Grade
Capacity: 10 participants
Registration: Open via the Parent Portal
STEAM with the Town of Nantucket | Spring 2026
NBGC has partnered with the Town of Nantucket to offer a unique STEAM field trip experience that gives members an inside look at how local government operates. Students participate in small-group field trips to approximately 5–10 town departments, spending about 1.5 hours at each visit learning about the important work each agency does. Through these hands-on experiences, youth gain a deeper understanding of how our island runs and are introduced to potential career pathways with the Town of Nantucket in the future. This program is offered to students in grades 2–5.
Program Information:
- Instructor: Ian Graiff
- Grades: 2nd–5th grade
- Schedule: Tuesdays at 3:00 PM
- Session Dates: April 28 – June (4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/21, 5/26, with optional dates 6/2 and 6/9)
- Total Classes: 7 sessions
- Capacity: Limited to 10 participants
- Registration: OPEN via the Parent Portal
- Instructor: Ian Graiff
Dance Team | Spring 2026
NBGC partners with the Nantucket Dance Theater to offer our engaging Dance Program. On Thursdays, members enjoy field trips to a dedicated, calm studio space where instructors teach foundational and advanced dance skills. Participants have the opportunity to refine their technique, build confidence, and showcase their hard work in a seasonal performance. Past sessions have focused on ballet, and this spring the program will highlight a Dance Team experience.
Instructor: Jaedeen Harrisson
- Grades: 2nd–5th grade
- Schedule: Thursdays, 3:00–5:00 PM
- Session Dates: March 12 – June (3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28)
- Total Classes: 11 classes + 1 performance (date TBD)
- Capacity: Limited to 10 participants
- Registration: OPEN via the Parent Portal
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.
