Program Highlight

A Buzz-Worthy Victory at the 2nd Grade Spelling Bee!

On April 11th, our Club was buzzing with excitement as our 2nd graders took the spotlight for the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s Spelling Bee!

These young spellers impressed us all with their vocabulary, confidence, and focus. A big round of applause goes to Isabelle, who took home 1st place with an outstanding performance!

We’re proud of every participant who stepped up and gave it their best. Events like these help build confidence and make learning fun—exactly what The Club is all about.

Way to go, 2nd grade!

by BGCC

Thank You to the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation!

We're so thankful for the generous financial support we received from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation! We recently hosted our friends from the foundation at the Club to discuss this amazing partnership. Stew and Kim Leonard established the foundation to educate children and families about water safety, particularly by providing access to swimming lessons for kids who might not otherwise have them. The Foundation was established in memory of their son, Stew Leonard III, who tragically drowned at a young age. This donation enables us to provide swim lessons to kids attending our Pre-K 4 program in our Gingerbread House Nursery School.

by BGCC

Halloween at the Club!

Halloween at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton was a spooktacular celebration that brought kids together for several days filled with fun activities! The festivities included Halloween-themed parties where our young members enjoyed a variety of spooky snacks, from creepy popcorn hands to broom-shaped pretzels and mummy juice boxes.

One of the highlights was the incredible array of costumes. The kids showcased their creativity by dressing up as everything from superheroes and princesses, to classic monsters and whimsical creatures!

We are especially grateful to Carter’s for their generous support this Halloween. A dedicated team of volunteers helped our Gingerbread kids enjoy a special trick-or-treating experience, visiting not only Clifton City Hall but also the police station, the fire department headquarters, and all around the club. Their involvement ensured that every child had a safe and enjoyable experience while collecting treats from our supportive local community. A heartfelt thank you to Carter’s for making this Halloween truly memorable for our kids and for supporting our vital programs!

We also want to extend a special thank you to our amazing staff, whose hard work and dedication made this celebration possible. Their enthusiasm and creativity brought the Halloween spirit to life. We are lucky to have such a passionate team that goes above and beyond for our members.

From all of us at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, we hope you had a happy and safe Halloween!

by BGCC

Afterschool Gardening and Nature Education!

At The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, an amazing garden is flourishing, thanks to the hard work of our afterschool kids and the support of City Green. These young gardeners are growing a variety of produce, including cucumbers, grape tomatoes, radishes, fall lettuce, spinach, and more. This garden serves as a hands-on learning space where kids develop responsibility, teamwork, and a care for nature.

One standout activity from the garden was been the seed collection activity. The children gathered seeds from dried plants and then decorated their own seed packets to store them. This project not only allowed them to express their creativity but also provided important lessons about the plant life cycle.

Another exciting project for them was making bird feeders out of pine cones. The kids attached birdseeds to the pine cones and hung them from tree branches for the birds to feast. This activity helped them learn about local wildlife and the ecosystem.

City Green’s partnership has been instrumental in teaching the kids about gardening practices. As they plant, water, and harvest, they learn valuable lessons about nutrition and the joy of growing their own food. These activities empower them to make healthier food choices and foster a lifelong appreciation for gardening and nature.

The garden at The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton is more than just a growing space; it’s a community where children learn, create, and connect with the environment around them. By engaging in these experiences, they are developing skills and knowledge that will benefit them for years to come. Here’s to many more seasons of growth, learning, and fun!

by BGCC