Event & Community Highlights

From the desk of Patrick Doyle, CEO Friends, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area has stood as a beacon of opportunity for young people in Albany & Troy for more than 130 years. In 2025, that legacy remained stronger than ever, guided by our mission and driven by wonderful supporters, donors and partners who share our vision for fulfilling the potential of our kids and teens. And we’re fortunate to have incredibly passionate staff, volunteers and parents who truly value our

Holiday games, activities, and ideas for all ages! The holidays are a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer and cherished traditions. But — let’s be honest — they can also be challenging, frustrating and expensive. That’s why Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area curated these holiday games and activities to help families connect and make memories this holiday season. With experience empowering kids to have fun and build their confidence, we're here to h

Chanukah is a joyful holiday filled with light, tradition, and stories that have been passed down for generations. For young people, it offers a chance to connect with history, family, and community through fun and meaningful activities. This guide will help kids, teens and adults understand what Chanukah is about, why it matters, and how it is celebrated today. A menorah glowing with candles during Chanukah, surrounded by traditional dreidels What Is Chanukah? Chanukah, also

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) hosted a Stop The Violence Rally on Monday, Nov. 10th, at the Albany Clubhouse. The event aimed to promote unity and peaceful action toward ending gun violence in the Capital Area. Teens gathered at the Albany Clubhouse on the evening of Nov. 10th. A snowstorm swept across the city, and temperatures dropped to freezing. Due to the weather, the scheduled outdoor event was moved into the Clubhouse gymnasium. The event kicked off w

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) has appointed Patrick Doyle, a longtime employee and member of the executive team, as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) hosted the opening and closing night of the 2025 Great Futures Gala: Defying Gravity on Thursday, Oct. 30th at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, NY.

Halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it the excitement of dressing up in imaginative costumes. Let's look at the many creative DIY costume ideas that kids and teens can craft at home without spending a fortune.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area partnered with Teamsters Local 294 for day of family friendly and spooky fun called Trunk & Treat ! Trunk & Treat is a community event geared to provide youth and families with a safe space that includes traditional Halloween elements as well as some unique additions. The event was held at the Labor Temple on 3rd Street in Albany starting at 10:00 AM. Free community shuttle transport was provided from the Albany and Troy Clubhouses. Tea

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. This vibrant celebration symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For kids, Diwali is a time filled with joy and excitement, as well as an opportunity to learn about rich traditions.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, we understand that afterschool activities play a crucial role in shaping the growth of kids and teens beyond the classroom. Engaging in afterschool activities helps youth improve academically, emotionally, and physically, setting a strong foundation for their future. BGCCA provides afterschool and teen programming in Albany & Rensselaer counties.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is celebrating the remarkable success of the 2025 season at the South Troy Pool. This summer, the pool once again served as a safe, welcoming, and vibrant hub for Troy’s youth and families. A Thriving Community Hub Over 800 families registered to use the facility, giving more than 1,000 Troy children and teens a safe place to cool off, share meals, and connect with one another. On average, 125 residents visited the pool each day. Attenda

Mentorship has the power to change the life of another person and guide them to success.

Summer break is a glorious time for kids and teens in the Capital Area. It's a season filled with freedom, sunshine, and the chance to explore new activities. Making the most of this time can create lasting memories while ensuring that youth continue to learn and grow. Here are some fun and educational activities to engage youth during their break. Engaging Summer Activities Summer break can feel endless, but the right activities can transform those long days into opportuniti

Strategic giving is a powerful tool for creating positive change in the Capital Area. It goes beyond traditional charitable contributions. Instead, strategic giving focuses on long-term impacts and systematic solutions to community challenges. The Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro area hosts over 7,000 various nonprofits which employ nearly 140,000 people. By comparison, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) operates in Albany and Rensselaer counties and employs more tha

Substance abuse is a pressing issue that affects communities across the globe, not just our local neighborhoods, like Albany and Troy. The effects of drug addiction can ripple through families, schools, and workplaces. However, the good news is that prevention is possible . By addressing root causes and fostering supportive environments, communities in the Capital Area can mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse. The Troy Drug Free Community Coalition (TDFCC) wil

The 2025 BGCCA Chip-In Fore Youth Golf Tournament , presented by IBEW Local 236, took place on Friday, June 13 at the Town of Colonie Golf Course. It was a phenomenal success! A Huge Thank You We extend a big thank you to all our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and vendors who participated in our 7th annual event ! All proceeds raised go directly toward youth programming in Albany and Rensselaer counties. The weather was perfect with plenty of cloud cover and cool breezes. Th

Enrichment activities serve as an excellent way to provide kids and teens with opportunities to enhance their awareness, discover new interests, and build essential life skills.

It can be hard to find the time to volunteer in our hectic lives but there are many reasons to prioritize giving back to others in your weekly routine.

BGCCA announces the planned departure of its longtime CEO Justin Reuter who has accepted a role with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

BGCCA hosted the annual Donor Breakfast on Thursday, March 27th which showcased our work in Albany & Rensselaer counties.