Parents know all too well that Spring Break signals the beginning of summer planning rush. Cherry blossoms barely appear and BOOM, it’s time to enroll in camps, lessons, programs and activities. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) created a 2025 summer camp season full to the brim with recreation, education, art, technology and plenty of fun for first through 12th grades.
You can enroll for specific weeks or the entire session with locations in Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rochester and Steamboat Island. Before you know it, school will be out and camp season in full swing. Sign up now to guarantee your kids a fun, active, engaging summer because space is limited.
Summer Camp for Grades 1 to 12 with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
BGCTC summer camps run from June 23 through August 22. “Parents can choose which weeks to register their kids and are able to choose one week or all nine, availability permitting,” says CEO Shellica Trevino. Camps take place weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Campers are divided into two groups, one for first through fifth grade (activity rotation are split even further) while grades six through 12 are part of the teen program. Camps are open to both current and new BGCTC members and joining is only $80. Camp costs $150 a week per child and includes activities, field trips and so much more, fee waiver reduction scholarship are available to those who qualify
Have questions about membership, summer offerings, or school year events? Trevino says to reach out to the location your child will attend and staff are always happy to chat. You can also email info@bgctc.org for guidance.
- Tumwater: 360.570.8888
- Lacey: 360.438.6811
- Rochester: 360.273.9397
- Yelm: 360.529.5392
- Griffin: 360.556.4594
Themed Activities, Field Trips and Educational (shhh, don’t tell!) Youth Fun All Summer Long
Trevino explains that each week of camp is themed, with a special event included in each topic. “For example, the Hands on Children’s Museum will provide STEM activities at each location, we have a petting zoo planned and the teens will have weekly trips including job shadows and service projects,” she says. “Each branch location has their own line-up of fun, engaging activities for members to participate in weekly, and they are included in the cost of day camp, teen field trips do have an additional, but affordable cost.”
Even if your kids have attended BGCTC camps before, there’s always a curated blend of new with tried-and-true. “Supportive relationships are at the heart of everything we do,” says Trevino. “There is plenty of choice involved in our daily rotation of activities, giving members a chance to try new things while also enjoying their favorites.”
Scholarships are available for families in need. Simply bring proof of income to your preferred branch and fill out an application for potential fee reduction.
The Boys & Girls Clubs: Changing Lives Across Thurston County for nearly 25 Years
Since 2001, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County have served more than 1,500 K-12 students each year. They operate from nine sites: Tumwater, Rochester, Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Yelm, RMAC and Griffin thanks to help from staff, volunteers and local business and community members. Programming focuses on academic success, character, leadership and healthy lifestyles.
Through before and after-school care, teen programs and summer camps like these, they’ll help with homework, build leadership skills and create the kind of memories that happy childhoods are made of.
Parent or not, check out the many ways to celebrate and support their ongoing work with local kids. Whether through Youth of the Year which honors hardworking students to the Foundation for the Future fundraising breakfast, free community Field Day or Born to be Wild dinner and auction, there’s something for everyone. Lending a helping hand has never been quite so much fun.
Book BGCTC summer fun early, then sit back and enjoy the rest of the school year knowing it’s well taken care of. Just like your kids will be when they’re playing, learning, growing and making new friends at camp.
This is also a great way to experience the BGCTC atmosphere, which kiddos can enjoy all year round. Combatting summer brain drain is always better when blowing bubbles, petting fuzzy goats, making crafts and playing in the sunshine.
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