The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County has announced it will waive membership fees indefinitely. This means your child can access safe, supportive after-school and summer programs in Naples and Immokalee without a membership fee.
The Boys & Girls Club serves over 4,300 children and teens each year, offering academic support, leadership opportunities, and healthy activities in a welcoming environment.
What does free Boys & Girls Club membership mean for your child?
Waived membership fees mean your child can become a Club member without paying a joining fee. The organization’s goal is that no child misses out on the Club experience because of family finances.
As a parent, you have more flexibility. Instead of worrying about a membership bill, you can focus on how your child will use the time after school and in the summer. The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe place where kids and teens are welcomed, known by name, and encouraged to try new things.
The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County emphasizes:
- Safe, supervised spaces during critical after-school and summer hours
- Positive relationships with trained staff and mentors
- Enriching activities that build confidence and skills
In the words of CEO Paul Donahue, “Our services are vital to building a stronger future for Collier County families. By waiving membership fees, we are ensuring that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has the opportunity to walk through our doors, feel welcomed, and benefit from the programs, mentorship, and support that help them learn, grow, and thrive.”
Where are Boys & Girls Club programs offered, and when do they run?
The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County operates locations in Naples and Immokalee. Families across Collier County can look to these sites for consistent after-school and summer options for children and teens.
Programs are designed for the times when kids need safe, structured activities the most: after the school day ends and during the long summer break. At these times, the Club creates a daily routine where youth can get support with learning, spend time with friends, and develop new interests.
Each site offers a safe, inclusive environment. Children and teens can explore different activities and find what fits them best. The focus is on helping them feel that they belong and that their ideas and dreams matter.
If you are juggling work, school schedules, and transportation, knowing your child has a dependable place to go can be a major relief. The Boys & Girls Club’s long-term commitment to Collier County families means they are planning for stability, not just a short-term program.
Who can benefit from these programs, and what do kids do there?
The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County serves children and teens, helping young people learn, lead, and thrive at every age. With over 4,300 youth participating annually, the programs are designed to support a wide range of interests and needs.
Programs focus on key areas that matter to families:
- Academic success and support for school progress
- Leadership and character-building opportunities
- Health and wellness habits for growing bodies and minds
- The arts, allowing kids to express themselves creatively
- Sports and physical activities for energy and teamwork
Inside the Club, youth can explore these areas in age-appropriate ways. Younger children might discover new hobbies, while teens may take on leadership roles or prepare for their future goals.
Because membership fees are waived, families who might have stayed away due to cost can now consider the Boys & Girls Club as a realistic option. The decision reflects a long-term investment in the success of local youth and the wider community.
Is Boys & Girls Club membership really free and what about other costs?
The goal is simple: remove financial barriers that might keep a child from accessing after-school and summer programming. The club wants every child in Collier County to have access to safe, supportive, and enriching experiences, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances.
While membership fees are waived, every family’s situation is different. If you have questions about any potential program-related costs or details, it is best to speak directly with Boys & Girls Club staff. They can explain current offerings and help you understand how the Club fits with your family’s needs.
If your family has never used community programs before, calling ahead can also give you a sense of what a typical day at the Boys & Girls Club looks like and how your child will be welcomed on their first visit.
How do you enroll your child and stay connected with Boys & Girls Club opportunities?
To learn more about enrolling your child, program offerings, or ways to support the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, you can:
- Visit the Boys & Girls Club website at www.bgccc.com
- Call the main number at 239-325-1700
- Ask about current after-school and summer options in Naples and Immokalee
The Boys & Girls Club has been serving local families since 1997, giving children and teens safe spaces, positive mentors, and opportunities to reach their full potential. If you are looking for ways to keep your child engaged beyond the school day, this long-standing presence in the community can be reassuring.