About Us

SERVING YOUTH FOR OVER 110 YEARS

OUR MISSION

At the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol, our mission is simple and powerful: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.


Every day, we serve up to 1,000 youth across 12 sites throughout our community. From academic support and enrichment programs to athletics, leadership development, and social-emotional learning, everything we do is designed to help young people grow with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging.


We are proud to have a deeply committed team, a strong senior leadership group, talented youth development professionals, an engaged Board of Directors, and dedicated community partners who stand with us to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Their passion fuels our ability to deliver high-quality programs and life-changing experiences.


Our motto, “Great Futures Start Here”, reflects our unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to dream big, and to gain the skills, support, and encouragement to achieve those dreams.


Our story dates back to 1908, when Bristol community leader Jennie Peck recognized the need for a safe, positive space where young people could stay active, build character, and form meaningful friendships. Her vision laid the foundation for what would become one of the most trusted youth-serving organizations in our region.


Today, more than a century later, her legacy continues. We provide a welcoming environment where children and teens are surrounded by caring adults, opportunities to grow, and recognition for their achievements. We believe in celebrating progress, nurturing potential, and helping every member build the confidence they need to succeed.


The strength of our Club comes from the people who give so much of themselves, our staff, board, partners, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we create a place where young people feel safe, valued, and inspired.


Great futures truly start here, and we’re proud to help build them every single day.
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Birthday Sparks

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Fashion Magazine

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OUR VISION

Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.

The Five Key Elements For Positive Youth Development

We have learned that the level of impact a Club has on young people depends on how often and how long members participate, as well as how well our Club's Youth Development Professionals implement the following five key elements:

Safe, Positive Environment: Club staff, facilities, program and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members. Staff members provide structure and clearly define acceptable behaviors.

Fun: Club generates fun for members. Members develop a strong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers. Staff members make the Club feel like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members.

Supportive Relationships: Club youth develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Staff members actively cultivate such relationships to ensure that every member feels connected to one or more adults and peers. Staff members demonstrate warmth, caring, appreciation, acceptance and proper guidance in their connections with members.

Opportunities and Expectations: Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. Clubs encourage members to develop a moral character and behave ethically. Staff members establish and reinforce high expectations and help young people do well in school and pursue a post-secondary education.

Recognition: Clubs recognize and support young people’s self-worth and accomplishments. Staff members encourage youth and provide positive reinforcement as they make improvements and experience successes. The Club showcases young people’s achievements.