About BGC Cape Breton

What is BGC Cape Breton?

BGC Cape Breton, located in Whitney Pier, is a vital part of the CBRM, offering a safe space where youth can learn, grow, and thrive. As part of the larger BGC Canada network, we are committed to empowering young people to realize their potential, but our heart lies in our Cape Breton communities. For over 30 years, we’ve helped local families overcome challenges like mental health, food insecurity, and poverty, while nurturing the next generation of leaders. Our programs are designed to address these needs while fostering personal growth, leadership, and a sense of belonging.

Our dedicated team offers a variety of programs for school-aged children and teens that focus on academics, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, and leadership development. From after-school and evening programs to skill-building activities and mentorship, we provide resources that help our youth develop into confident, capable individuals. Additionally, we are proud to serve a diverse population, with 25% of our members identifying as African Nova Scotian and many others being newcomers to Canada.

We truly believe that opportunity changes everything. Our mission is to ensure that every young person has the resources, guidance, and encouragement to succeed in today’s world. By partnering with families, sponsors, and the community, we’re shaping a brighter future for all of Cape Breton’s youth.

Overhead shot of the basketball court, hockey rink, and other outdoor spaces at BGCCB.

MISSION

To provide safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.

Inside of the BGCCB bus with happy children waving at the camera.

VISION

All children and youth discover and achieve their dreams and grow up to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society.

What Our Youth Say

BGC Cape Breton is where I grew up. It brought a community together and allowed all of us to feel safe. It is where we were fed, supported, and invested in. BGC was a home for all, regardless of race, class, and difference. My early life experiences at the club reinforced my choices to pursue the type of career I have now. The BGC cared about me and my future, and that is why I am here today. It takes a village to raise a child, and I am proud to now be part of that village and the community that raised me."
Jalen Borden
RSW, Clinical Social Worker, BGC Cape Breton Alumni
"Growing up at BGC Cape Breton, Chester taught me valuable lessons I held close to my heart and carried with me on my journey as a child care professional and as a mother. I hope to be able to carry on Chester’s legacy through my career."
Shantay Kirton
Early Childhood Educator, BGC Cape Breton Alumni
"I have been a part of BGC Cape Breton since I was five years old. It has always been a safe, welcoming space for me. Growing up as part of BGC Cape Breton, I have built relationships and bonds that will last a lifetime and a sense of community within the organization. I have carried over skills and confidence in my personal life and in pursuit of my career, and that played a huge role in why I work at BGC Cape Breton today. I feel it is rewarding to give back to the community. BGC Cape Breton is a great place to be and opportunity changes everything."
Dante Giovannetti
Youth Worker, BGC Cape Breton Employee and Alumni

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

– Winston S. Churchill

Core Values

Everything we do at BGC Cape Breton is rooted in our core values. These principles guide our decisions, help us resolve conflicts, and shape the programs we deliver. Whether it’s ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging, fostering respect, or working together with our community, our values are at the center of our mission to support and uplift children and youth.

Belonging

We welcome everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships.

Respect

We ensure that everyone—children, youth, families, volunteers, staff—is heard, valued, and treated fairly.

Speaking Out

We speak out for children, youth, and families so that we can make our world better.

Working Together

We work together with young people, families, volunteers, our communities, and government.

Encouragement & Support

We encourage and support every child and youth to play, learn, and grow to achieve their dreams.

Register for Our Programs

We believe in the power of community and invite you to join the BGC Cape Breton family, where your child can flourish alongside friends and mentors who care deeply about their future.

We Could Use Your Help!

BGC Cape Breton provides safe, supportive spaces where youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. We rely heavily on funding to reach these goals and to keep our costs low for our families.

Opportunity Changes Everything!