Arnold Taylor • Director of Programs, Boys & Girls Club of harrisburg

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month (or close to it), the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In August we’re lifting up Education of Children and our mission partner, the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg.

The Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg has been a safe, positive place for kids since it opened its doors back in 1939. Although it has only been close to 100 years, the Boys & Girls club has served numerous generations of families in Harrisburg and its surrounding areas. What started as a recreational center for young males under the name “The Boys Club” has since blossomed into an activity and educational based program serving members from ages 6 to 18.

Career exploration, homework tutoring, trades, the arts, esports, athletic leagues, and most importantly, service to the community are a few programs offered to our members at the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg, which mirror what is done nationwide at other Boys & Girls Clubs. We also offer programming that is unique to our location. During our 2024 summer camp we partnered with a former club member who now owns his own therapy practice to discuss with our members the importance of understanding mental health. We have also partnered with several agriculture programs throughout the city which has allowed us to maintain our own garden at our main clubhouse. Having our own garden has allowed us to teach our members how to grow healthy alternatives and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Boys & Girls Club is also a place for exploring and having fun during the summertime. We pride ourselves on providing our members with a fun and captivating summer experience all members want while off school. While planning for our summer, we make sure to schedule both familiar and new and exciting fieldtrips that our members will enjoy and remember for years to come. Whether it’s a swimming trip to our local pool or a trip to Baltimore to Top Golf we are positive that our members will create lasting summer memories with their peers.