Programs

Opportunity Changes Everything

Every child deserves the chance to discover their potential in a safe, welcoming environment. When we nurture young people early, we help them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive, preventing future challenges. By investing in youth today, we pave the way for a brighter, more promising tomorrow.

Our programs are designed for youth ages 5-18, ensuring kids of all ages can build confidence, foster friendships, and experience a sense of belonging. Whether it’s after-school support for ages 5-12, leadership programs for teens 14-18, or summer adventures for kids of all ages, your support ensures more consistent programming. Each season’s programming is defined by the available funding, so please consider donating in order to build a more reliable schedule for our community’s children. 

These programs reflect the heart of BGC Cape Breton: helping youth grow, learn, and thrive. With activities that range from outdoor adventures to life skills, every program is an opportunity for youth to connect and discover new possibilities. And with your support, we can ensure a more consistent schedule of enriching programs for our community’s children.

After School Programs

After school is a crucial time for many children in our community. We provide a safe space for your children to connect with others while you finish your work day. Each day is different but our after-school programming has included: 

  • Lunch/After School Nutrition
  • Homework Help
  • Arts & Crafts / Drawing 
  • Computer Games 
  • Outdoor Recreation 
  • Kid Food Nation (food literacy, cooking)
  • Literacy Program
  • Community Cooking Program
  • Flex Your Head (mental health for teens)
  • Kid Tech Nation (digital skills & safety)

Evening Programs

Throughout the week we offer varying types of programming, including field trips. It varies, but types of evening programs we’ve held in the past include: 

  • Boxing
  • Builders Club
  • Café Night
  • Friday FUN Night
  • Girl POWER! 
  • Cheer
  • Game Night
  • Outdoor Rec
  • School Cents (financial literacy for teens)
  • Kid Food Nation
  • Swimming

Summer Programs

Each summer, we plan activities for our kids. In 2023, we had a full roster of 138 youth from the communities of New Waterford, Coxheath, Westmount, Sydney, and Whitney Pier – including a dozen newcomers to Canada. Our summer programming is staffed with full-time staff, summer students, and a cook. Our activities in the past have included outings to:

  • Mira Wildlife Park 
  • Alexander Graham Bell Museum
  • Beaches
  • Jays Care
  • Cheticamp Camping

Recreation Programming

In addition to scheduled programming, we have the following available at our facilities: 

Outdoor Recreation
  • Road Hockey
  • Basketball
  • Baseball (Jays Care)
  • Volleyball
  • Soccer
  • Spike Ball
  • Pickle Ball
  • Obstacle Courses
  • GaGa Ball
  • Walking
  • Field Trips & Outings
Indoor Recreation
  • Ping Pong
  • Pool
  • GaGa Ball
  • Bean Bag Toss
  • Mini games like Musical Chair, Sea-Sand
Games Room
  • Pool
  • Air Hockey
  • Ping Pong
  • Board Games
  • Electronic Games

What Our Youth Say

"I am grateful to Chester and BGC Cape Breton for their support, mentorship, and providing a place and the means to express myself creatively. They have played an integral role early on in my aspirations to pursue a career in Arts & Entertainment. I hope the impact BGC Cape Breton has had on the community of Whitney Pier will continue to be felt for many years to come."
Ayvery Norman
Lead, Audio/Visual Technical Services, Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, BGC Cape Breton Alumni
"BGC Cape Breton had become my home away from home. Growing up, my family struggled at times, but I always knew after school I would be in a place where I was cared about and felt like I belonged. The team at BGC continue to support me. Once you join BGC, you are always a member no matter how old you are. I am forever thankful for the support and kindness BGC staff has shown me."
Chelsey Sparrow
BGC Cape Breton Alumni
"Going to BGC Cape Breton was a defining moment of my life. The staff gave me the support I needed to come out of my shell. I was a youth and a two-time summer employee. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and I love that club. Now I study at university with several scholarships. I wouldn’t have had as many opportunities as I do now if I didn’t have the club."
Robbie Hussey
Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment, BGC Cape Breton Alumni

Register for Our Programs

We’re more than a club—we’re family. At BGC Cape Breton, your child will be surrounded by caring mentors and friends who want to see them succeed. 

Ready to join? Click below to start your child’s journey with us today!