News & Stories

Summer at BGCBigs is more than a break from school—it’s a season filled with discovery, friendship, creativity and opportunities for young people to try something new. 

From exciting summer camps and community celebrations to meaningful partnerships and family events, our Clubs have been buzzing with activity. Every game played, meal shared, craft created and friendship formed has helped make this summer one to remember. 

Here’s a look at some of the incredible moments that have brought our community together. 

Club Day 2026: Rain Couldn’t Stop the Fun 

When the rain arrived on Club Day, so did everyone’s creativity. 

Although the celebration moved indoors, the excitement never slowed down. Members from Clubs across Edmonton spent the afternoon laughing together during tug-of-war competitions, creating colourful Club posters, dancing together in an impromptu dance party and enjoying a BBQ with families, volunteers, staff and friends. 

Club Day reminded us that the best memories aren’t made because everything goes according to plan—they’re made because people come together to make the most of every moment. 

BGCBigs’ Clubs are dedicated to creating safe third spaces where young people can go after-school and during the summer to hang out with friends and access new experiences and opportunities.  

Summer Camps Full of Adventure 

This summer, every BGCBigs Club offers unique weekly camp experiences designed to encourage curiosity and creativity. 

Club themes varied widely to make sure there was something for everyone to enjoy, from arts & crafts, science experiments and unsolved mysteries, to LEGO building, cooking and baking lessons and carnival-style games, our Club kids were busy creating masterpieces, solving mysteries and discovering new interests. But more importantly, they learned new skills, made new friends and enjoyed one unforgettable summer. 

The response from families was incredible, with every camp filling to capacity. 

Cooking Up Stories with Edmonton Public Library 

One of this summer’s highlights was our partnership with Edmonton Public Library through the Cook Up A Story program. 

Hosted at Stanley A. Milner Library, campers combined literacy with hands-on learning by rolling up their sleeves and cooking up delicious meals and desserts! The experience encouraged our Club kids to build confidence while trying new activities in an exciting community setting. 

The partnership also introduced many young people to library spaces and resources they can continue exploring long after summer ends. 

Growing Together with Africa Centre 

This year, BGCBigs proudly partnered with the Africa Centre to offer an inclusive summer camp for children and youth aged 6–16 at our Londonderry Club. 

The partnership welcomed both BGCBigs members and new families from the community, creating opportunities for children to meet new friends and have new experiences in a safe and supportive environment. 

Working together with community partners helps us ensure even more young people have access to enriching experiences close to home. 

Summer Events That Brought Communities Together 

Summer wasn’t just about camps—it was also about celebrating community. 

Families, volunteers, mentors, staff and community partners were brought together through fun events like our Community-Based summer picnic, host at our West Club and the Kinsmen Club summer BBQ. 

 

The Community-based summer picnic featured fun activities like rock painting, temporary tattoos, sack races and water games, while we served up delicious treats like cotton candy, and of course, the BBQ! There was even a special visit from local firefighters! 

Meanwhile, the Kinsmen Club summer BBQ brought our Kinsmen Club members together great food and even better company, as guests participated in a friendly soccer match, art painting and games. Times like this are the perfect opportunity to reflect on yet another successful season together—reminding all of us that the most meaningful moments happen when communities come together.