News & Updates

Important Health Alert — Measles Case Confirmed in North Jersey

Dear Club Families,

We are reaching out with an important health alert shared by the Clifton Health Department and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) regarding a confirmed case of measles in our region. While this case involves a resident of Hudson County and is not currently linked to the previously reported Ocean County case, we want to make sure all our families are informed and prepared.

At this time, New Jersey is not experiencing a measles outbreak, which the CDC defines as three or more related cases. However, due to measles being highly contagious, the NJDOH is urging everyone—especially parents, guardians, caregivers, and healthcare providers—to take precautions and ensure they and their children are up to date on their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations.

Know the Symptoms:

Measles typically starts with:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Watery, red eyes

A rash usually appears 3–5 days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and in pregnant individuals, it can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Potential Exposure Locations & Dates

If you or your child visited any of the locations listed below during the specified dates and times, you may have been exposed:

• University Hospital, Newark
  July 4, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 10:15 PM

• Hackensack University Medical Center – Pediatric ER
  July 4, 2025 | 11:15 PM – July 5, 2:30 AM
  July 8, 2025 | 12:45 AM – 7:15 AM

• Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack
  July 8, 2025 | 5:15 AM – July 9, 4:30 PM

• Roast’d Coffee, Jersey City
  July 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Newport Mall, Jersey City
  July 6, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Al-Basha Restaurant, Paterson
  July 6, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Elite Pediatrics, Elmwood Park
  July 7, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 1:45 PM

• CVS Pharmacy, Kearny
  July 7, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

What to Do If You Think You Were Exposed:

If you or a family member may have been exposed or are showing symptoms:

• Do not go directly to a medical facility.

• Instead, call your doctor or local health department first so they can arrange a safe evaluation and avoid putting others at risk.

For updated exposure information and more guidance, visit the NJDOH’s official page here:
🔗 https://www.nj.gov/health/measles

Keeping Our Club Safe

At The Club, the health and safety of our members, staff, and families remain our top priority. We are monitoring the situation closely and are in communication with local health officials. If any further action is needed, we will keep you informed.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in helping to keep our community healthy.

Stay safe,
The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton Team

📞 Questions? Call the Clifton Health Department: 973-470-5778

by BGCC

Future Doctors Build Bikes for Boys & Girls Club of Clifton

On their first day of medical school, students from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine chose to make a difference by building bikes for kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton.

As part of a team building activity, first-year medical students worked with our Club members to assemble brand new bikes. The kids helped with the building process, learned about teamwork, and went home with big smiles and new bikes to call their own.

This event reflects Hackensack Meridian Health’s commitment to community-centered learning, and we’re proud our Club was part of it. Thank you to the students and organizers for giving our members a fun, hands-on experience they won’t forget.

Watch the full story from ABC7NY:
https://abc7ny.com/post/nj-medical-students-build-bikes-for-local-kids-on-their-first-day-of-class/14939839

by BGCC

Carter’s Volunteers Bring Summer Learning to Life at The Club

Last week, our Club was honored to host an incredible team of volunteers from Carter’s, thanks to their national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). These visits were part of Carter’s larger commitment to youth development and academic success, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the energy, kindness, and engagement their employees brought.

As part of this visit, volunteers led hands-on learning activities from BGCA’s brand-new Summer Brain Gain READ module, funded by Carter’s. The featured book, “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” by Mo Willems, provided the foundation for five creative, curiosity-driven sessions designed to help prevent summer learning loss in children ages 6–9. From reading aloud to participating in interactive projects, the volunteers brought the story to life in a way that excited and inspired our youth.

This event is just one example of the incredible impact being made through Carter’s commitment to donate $1 million and contribute 50,000 volunteer hours to Clubs nationwide over the next three years. Their support is helping expand access to educational programming and making a real difference in communities across the country.

We’re so thankful for our partnership with Carter’s and BGCA—and we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to welcome Carter’s volunteers back to our Club!

by BGCC

BAPS Charities Walk-Run Supports The Club and Community

On June 1, 2025, The Club was honored to be a charity partner for the BAPS Charities Spirit of Service: Walk-Run held right here in Clifton, NJ. The event brought together over 650 participants from across the community, all walking and running to support youth programs at The Club and to recognize the service of the Clifton Police Department.

This annual event, organized by BAPS Charities as part of a nationwide initiative, promotes health, community spirit, and charitable giving. We’re proud to have been part of such a meaningful day focused on service and togetherness.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to BAPS Charities for their generosity and commitment to strengthening local organizations like ours. Their support helps us continue creating a safe, supportive space where Clifton’s youth can learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a success!

by BGCC

A Sweet Start to Summer: Optimum Gives Back to Clifton Club Kids

The school year may be over, but the celebrations are just getting started at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton! To help kick off summer on a high note, friends from Optimum stopped by with a special treat—and a whole lot of generosity.

For the third year in a row, Optimum has donated $3,000 to support youth programs at the Club, bringing their total contribution to $9,000 since 2022. This continued support means even more access to STEM learning opportunities, tools, and technology for local kids.

And because summer should always start with something sweet, Optimum made sure every Club kid got to enjoy a delicious ice cream cone on the last day of school. Smiles were everywhere!

Optimum's commitment to the Clifton community goes beyond just writing a check. Their team shows up, supports local youth, and celebrates what makes this town so special. The visit was a chance to connect, reflect, and look ahead to even more possibilities together.

“We’re thrilled with Optimum’s endorsement of our important work,” said CEO Gabe Blau. “We’re also looking forward to building our relationship with Optimum and its employees through additional giving initiatives offered through Optimum, as well as hosting Optimum employees for volunteer experiences.”

Optimum’s Elton Hart, Vice President and General Manager of the Tri-State region, shared:
"As a company committed to supporting its local communities, Optimum is thrilled to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton in New Jersey for the third consecutive year. This organization is dedicated to empowering all youth to reach their full potential, a mission that aligns closely with Optimum’s values of inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators. We are honored to support the Club’s efforts and hope this donation will help make a difference to the organization and the Clifton community.”

Here’s to a summer full of possibility, partnership, and plenty of ice cream!

by BGCC

UPDATE: Camp Clifton Trip Registration

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we address the issue affecting our Parent Portal. Our service provider has assured us that the issue has been identified and resolved, but as an added precaution we will be reopening the summer trip registration on a staggered schedule.

Please see below for the days and times to register for your child's age group:
5-8 years old...........Friday 6/20 @ 10:30AM
9-10 years old........... Monday 6/23 @ 10:30AM
Ages 11 & up..........Tuesday 6/24 @ 10:30AM
All-ages trips..........Wednesday 6/25 @ 10:30AM

Reminders will be sent prior to each registration via the Remind app. We apologize for any stress or inconvenience this has caused and are working hard to improve our registration processes.

Thank you!

by BGCC