Summer Kicks Off with Record Numbers and Renewed Energy at Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

The summer season officially launched yesterday, and what a day it was! The doors to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County opened bright and early at 7:00 a.m., and excitement buzzed throughout every campus. From staff to youth, everyone felt the energy of a fresh season filled with promise, learning, and fun. It was a vibrant reminder of the important role we play in our community—and just how much that role continues to grow.

We’re proud to share that this summer we have 455 youth enrolled in our program—our highest number since 2019. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a reflection of how deeply needed our services are. With our Ocala and Silver Springs Shores campuses at full capacity and currently maintaining wait lists, it's clear that affordable, quality youth programs are becoming more and more scarce. Families are seeking safe, enriching environments for their children, and we are honored to be a place they trust.

Yesterday, we welcomed 53 youth at our Dunnellon Club, 93 at the Harrell Youth Center, and 87 at our Silver Springs Shores Club. It was a busy day, but thanks to our incredible team, it was also a smooth one. Anthony, one of our dedicated staff members who is now in his fourth summer with us, remarked that this was the smoothest first day of summer he’s ever seen. That kind of feedback means the world—it speaks volumes about our preparation, our teamwork, and our mission-driven focus.

With so much happening on-site every single day, now is the perfect time to schedule a tour of any of our clubs. We’d love to show you or someone in your network what a day at the Boys & Girls Club looks like, how we support youth development, and why our programs are so vital to local families.

If you know someone who would benefit from understanding our work—whether they’re a potential supporter, community partner, or just curious about what we do—please connect us. One introduction can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can keep growing and reaching more young people who need us most.

To learn more, visit www.bgcofmarion.org or contact our team to schedule a visit. Let’s make this summer one to remember—for all the right reasons.