Registration open for BCYF teen summer programming

Mayor Kim Janey and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) today announced that registration has opened for a variety of summer teen programs. The programs are expected to run from Monday, July 12 through Friday, August 20. Interested youth can apply through the BCYF website.

"Summer programming is a great way to engage teenagers throughout the City while empowering and inspiring them to learn. As our city recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, I am thrilled that we are able to bring back these popular summer programs and provide Boston’s teenagers with such unique opportunities,” said Mayor Janey. “These programs foster important skills, such as creativity and leadership that allow for positive growth and success in the future. I would like to thank the BCYF for all they do and for making these programs possible.”

Boston teens can register now for BCYF Snap Shot teen photography program, BCYF SuperTeens pre-employment program for young teens, and BCYF Girls Leadership Corps and Jr Leadership Corps. More information can be found online.

BCYF Snap Shot Teen Photography program is a unique summer job program for youth ages 16 to 18, in partnership with the John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars Program. Youth receive a paycheck while participating in the program. This hybrid program will introduce participants to all aspects of photography. Led by a professional photographer, the program includes opportunities to conduct “photo shoots,” visits to museums and art galleries, digital photo editing lessons, online personal development workshops led by John Hancock, and opportunities to serve as a “staff photographer” for BCYF.

BCYF SuperTeens program teaches teens ages 13 and 14 life readiness and resiliency to help prepare them for their upcoming academic year and future employment. For summer 2021, SuperTeens will be back and in person at our centers. The program will focus on opportunities to enhance communication, collaboration, teamwork and problem solving. The SuperTeens will be mentored by BCYF staff throughout the summer, and they will participate in both online workshops and in person job shadowing activities that will highlight employment skills. The SuperTeens will also participate in weekly social and recreational activities, including a new Learn to Crew program on the Charles River, neighborhood beautification projects throughout the city through the painting of murals, as well as visits to some of Boston’s museums and historical sites. 

Participants will have the opportunity to earn their first paycheck in the form of a stipend, and they will also be provided with opportunities that encourage civic engagement and physical health and wellness. The SuperTeens program is sponsored by Comcast and The Foundation for BCYF, and is generously supported by MassHousing, MCCA, NBT II Foundation and Children’s Hospital.

BCYF Girls Leadership Corps (GLC) provides the girls with gender-specific workshops and activities. Special pop-up guests will be invited to speak with the girls. Workshop topics will include self-defense with Girls LEAP, leadership skills, empowerment with the YW F.R.Y.E. program, Media Girls, Girl Scouts and more. The GLC girls are currently planning activities that Boston girls are invited to register for including Girls Day Out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring Zumba and walking in Hemingway Park, Girls Nights on Mondays, and Girls Self-Expressions weekly on Wednesdays, promoting self-love through writing, poetry, and song, while allowing girls to explore their feelings and emotions. 

BCYF Girls Leadership Corps Junior will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays for girls ages 8-11. This summer, the program participants will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and activities that tie into outdoor adventures while promoting teamwork, and building self-esteem and leadership skills. 

“We are looking forward to providing our teens with engaging and fun summer programming,” said William Morales, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “We have a diverse menu of virtual options planned and look forward to seeing our youth again. 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees citywide programs including the nationally-recognized violence intervention and prevention SOAR Program( formerly Streetworker Program), the GIRLS Initiative, Camp Joy special needs program and many aquatic offerings.