As we approach summer, the Willie Mays Clubhouse and all other Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco have joined the Summer Together program, a San Francisco coalition of nonprofits, businesses and city departments offering free learning experiences for SFUSD students in summer 2021.

Prioritizing families in highest need for early registration, Summer Together opened registration early to residents of public housing, families that are experiencing homelessness, English language learners and low-income families, with a focus on historically impacted communities. This engagement aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs commitment to operating in neighborhoods where the greatest need exists and to be open when kids need us most - after school, on most school holidays and all day during the summer. We are pleased to be a part of such a committed and collaborative City-wide partnership. 

Willie Mays Clubhouse serves the Bayview and Hunters Point communities. With a baseball field, basketball gym and a large vegetable garden on campus, summer offers a wide range of outdoor activities and is an especially exciting time at the Club. 

Summer Program Highlights Include:

• Sports clinics featuring the fundamentals of basketball, baseball and football in a fun and safe environment! 
• Gardening and cooking in a newly planted garden and state of the art  classroom kitchen.  
• Academic enrichment and literacy skills that allow kids to maintain a connection to school and continue learning throughout the summer.
• Arts & Crafts that promote exploration and creativity. 
• STEM activities that teach science in a fun and engaging way. 
• Behavioral Health Services programing designed to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on social and emotional health. 

All programs at the Club are led by well-trained, skilled, and caring staff, many of whom are members of the Bayview and Hunters Point community. The team comes to work every day passionate about offering Club members high-quality programs in a safe and welcoming environment.

 Sports, fitness, and play are a big part of Club culture year-round.  A strong partnership with the Junior Giants has provided an exceptional opportunity for Club youth to build new skills, develop confidence, work as a team and, of course, have a lot of fun!

This intersection between sports, youth leadership, and community building was exemplified on May 6 when San Francisco Giants legend Willie Mays, turned 90 years old.  Youth and Staff  came together with the Giants Community Fund, Giants alum, and local celebrities to celebrate.  Through sharing, memories, slideshows, personal tributes, and songs, Willie Mays was recognized for his life and legacy.. Check out the recording of this virtual event. 

Of course Mr. Mays became a baseball legend while playing in the same neighborhood of Hunters Point and the Bayview where his namesake Clubhouse stands today. As an important part of the local community, the Willie Mays Clubhouse is proud to continue his legacy of community leadership by providing a safe place where young people can learn, grow, and succeed. 

At no time in the Club’s history has the partnership with the surrounding  neighborhood been more important than this past year. Designated as a Community Learning Hub, the Club stepped in when San Francisco schools closed their doors and has supported the remote learning of youth onsite each day since. 

Looking towards summer, the Club continues to adhere to City and County COVID-19 health guidelines for youth services. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco have continuously provided extra safety precautions to protect the health of our youth, staff, and community and this summer will be no exception.