Registration for BCYF Teen Summer Programs Opens April 6

Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) today announced that registration will open for a variety of summer teen programs on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. The programs are expected to run from Monday, July 11 through Friday, August 19.

“As our City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the perfect time for our younger residents to engage with their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These programs enable teens to learn crucial life skills, while having fun with their peers. I encourage any interested families to apply and take advantage of this summer’s opportunities through BCYF.”

Boston teens can register beginning Wednesday, April 6, for BCYF Snap Shot teen photography program, BCYF SuperTeens pre-employment program for young teens, and BCYF Girls Leadership Corps. More information on these programs can be found here.

“We are looking forward to providing these enriching and fun summer teen programs,” said Marta Rivera, Interim Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “We have a diverse menu of options planned for young people of all ages this summer and we encourage interested families to sign up as soon as possible to guarantee a spot."

BCYF Snap Shot Teen Photography program is a unique summer job program for ages 16 to 18, in partnership with the John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars Program. Teens receive a paycheck while participating in the program. This introduces 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. The program focuses on opportunities to enhance communication, collaboration, teamwork and problem solving. The SuperTeens are mentored by BCYF staff throughout the summer, and they participate in both online workshops and in-person job shadowing activities that highlight employment skills. The SuperTeens also participate in weekly social and recreational activities, including a Learn to Row 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 earn a paycheck and they will also be provided with opportunities that encourage civic engagement and physical health and wellness. 

BCYF Girls Leadership Corps (GLC) provides girls ages 11-14 with a variety of 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 Girls Leadership Corps girls will plan activities that Boston girls will be invited to register for including Girls Day Out, Girls Nights and various workshops and special activities. 

Registration for summer programming will be available at this link beginning on April 6.

These teen programs are in addition to many programs offered at BCYF community centers across the city. Registration for center programs can be found at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 35 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.