Summer Playground Program

Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin is part of a nationwide movement that began when the first club was founded in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. In Wisconsin, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Milwaukee began in 1887 as the Plymouth Boys' Club in the basement of Plymouth Congregational Church, founded by Annabell Cook Whitcomb. Wisconsin clubs serve over 125,800 youth across 203 sites in 77 cities and serve more youth than any other organization outside of the public school system in the state.

Wisconsin clubs serve more kids per population than any state in the country. Over two million meals and snacks are served every year at no cost, and over 2.1 million meals and snacks are provided to kids for free each year. All of Wisconsin's Clubs offer programs that promote the positive development of young people by instilling a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence or power, and competence. The organization reports $597 million in economic benefits returned to communities and individuals annually, and states that every dollar invested in the Clubs returns $10.32 in earnings and cost-savings to the state and local communities. Its stated mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need opportunity the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults. The organization focuses on measurable outcomes for academic achievement, career skill building, workforce development, juvenile crime reduction, prevention of opioid abuse, improved mental health, and positive civic engagement. One testimonial comes from Tommy Walls, 2010 Wisconsin Youth of the Year, who said, "The Club saw leadership capabilities in me, and changed the direction of my destiny." The program also maintains a presence on social media through Twitter X @BGCWIS, Instagram @BGCWIS, Facebook.com/BGCWIS, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/boys-girls-clubs-of-wisconsin/.

Last updated February 25, 2026.