News
BGCP Goes to the Phillies

BGCP visits the Phillies.   On Monday, July 26th, thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia members visited Citizen’s Bank Park for the annual Day at the Phillies. Before the game, a video featuring the announcement of Shane Victorino’s $900,000 gift to renovate the Nicetown Club was played. Comprehensive Campaign Chair and longtime BGCP supporter Tom Hofmann threw out the first pitch. The kids enjoyed hot dogs, cotton candy and other treats as they cheered on the Fightin’ Phils to a victory over the Colorado Rockies in a nail-bitingly close game. A big thank you to the Phillies for hosting Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia as their special guests!
Day For Kids

Day for Kids a Success.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia's annual Day for Kids was held on Friday, July 30th at the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird Club and was attended by thousands of kids from each of the twelve Philadelphia Clubs. Each Club sponsored a booth with old-fashioned carnival games like a lollipop pick, face painting and a wheel of chance. Other highlights included a moon bounce and a giant water slide where the kids could cool off. Club staff members pitched in to serve hot dogs, water ice, and other favorite summertime treats to the kids.  Everyone had a great time playing and making friends with children from other Clubs. Hats off to Club Director John Gonzalez and the Vaird staff for making the day a fun-filled success.
Heather Mitts Teaches BGCP About Soccer

Professional soccer comes to BGCP.  Professional Women’s soccer player Heather Mitts visited the Northeast Frankford and Vaird Clubs in the month of July to share her love of soccer with Club members. Although it was very hot when she visited, she still taught the kids a few moves and held a Q & A session about soccer. Says Heather, “Soccer is a healthy, fun activity that everyone can enjoy and take part in. I enjoy sharing my success and experiences with the kids and really believe it has an impact.” She will continue to visit our Clubs in August. Thank you, Heather, for teaching the kids about a fun way to stay healthy!
Fairmount Takes Many Trips

Fairmount visits Belmawr Lakes.  The Fairmount Unit had a busy month of July, which started with a trip to Belmawr Lakes on July 9th, where the kids enjoyed the chance to swim, eat ice cream, and soak up the sun.  Fairmount members enjoyed the chance to spend time with Wilson Park members, who visited Belmawr Lakes on the same day.
 
Fairmount visits a farmer's market.  On July 27th, Fairmount Unit members enjoyed a visit to their local farmer’s market, where they purchased fresh fruit and vegetables and learned about healthy eating.  The farmer's market visits the Fairmount Unit every Tuesday to bring fresh produce to the community.  
Bridesburg Hosts Many Visitors

Story time at Bridesburg.   On July 13th, 16th and 29th, Miss Michelle from the Free Library of Philadelphia’s traveling reading program came out and read to Bridesburg Club members. The kids loved the change of pace and enjoyed the interactive activities she led. Thank you to Miss Michelle and the Free Library of Philadelphia for inspiring the kids to love reading!
 
Bridesburg hosts SIFE.  Members of the Oregon State University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) group presented Bridesburg members with a healthy eating and hunger awareness activity on July 19th. SIFE is an international service organization with chapters at colleges around the world. In 2009, after learning that one out of six American children is at risk going to bed hungry each night, OSU SIFE made a commitment to help end childhood hunger. This summer, they are traveling across the nation teaching youth about hunger issues in the United States and helping them learn how to do their part in combating this issue. Bridesburg thanks OSU SIFE for taking the time to visit.
 
Service continues at Bridesburg.  On July 23rd, Patty Kozlowski engaged the youth in an activity promoting and detailing civic responsibilities. The kids were very attentive and were able to make the connection with Bridesburg’s summer theme of “United We Serve.” Thank you, Patty, for teaching members about the importance of giving back to the community