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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Appoints New Program Director

Keagan Marcella
Keagan Marcella

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has named Keagan Marcella, a resident of Marshfield, MA, as Program Director. 
 
In his new role at the Club, Marcella teaches art classes, oversees youth programming and is responsible for a variety of administrative tasks. 
 
A former “Club kid”, Marcella attended the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s after school program and summer camps at the Club’s former Library Plaza location during his elementary and middle school years. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 2016, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio for Interrelated Media from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2020. 
 
In 2021, Marcella become a volunteer teaching art at the Boys & Girls Club. Not long after, he was hired as Boys & Girls Club staff three days a week, as well as for the summer program and other special programs which included art, science, Lego robotics and multimedia. This current school year, he served as the Boys & Girls Club’s lead STEM staff prior to becoming a Title I tutor of math and writing for four different classrooms during the school day at South River Elementary School in Marshfield.  
 
“I grew up as a Club kid, which has led me down the path of helping people. Now, everything has come full circle and I’m happy to have this incredible opportunity to help others and the community,” said Marcella. 
                                                                                                   
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582. 

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All Aboard the Drive-Thru Polar Express at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on Saturday, December 18th

Santa Claus will be making a special stop this year at the Drive-Thru Polar Express on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, located at 37 Proprietor’s Drive.

Children of all ages will enjoy a magical Drive-Thru Polar Express, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Club and feature multiple “station stops” for entertainment and goodies. 

After the conductor presents each vehicle with a ticket, families drive through to each stop which plays out the story line. Special guests, the Forbes School of Irish Step Dancing and the Marshfield Dance Team will perform during event. 

The Boys & Girls Club’s community partners for the event include the Molly Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, Scout Troop 424, Kiwanis Club of Marshfield, Mia Regazza, Goodwill Hunters, Marshfield Youth Hockey, as well as Marshfield Police and Marshfield Fire departments.

This is a FREE event and there is no need to sign up.  

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is proud to bring this very festive, Drive-Thru Polar Express experience to families again this year,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Last year, hundreds of children enjoyed the Drive-Thru Polar Express. We’re really looking forward to this year’s event and anticipate a similar turnout.”

To become a sponsor, email the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield at stephanie@bgcmarshfield.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Haunted Car Wash on October 28-29 to Benefit Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield invites families to a fun “Haunted Car Wash” event on October 28-29, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Briteway Car Wash, 535 Plain Street (Route 139), Marshfield, MA 02050. 
                       
Costumed volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield will provide a haunted experience complete with a car wash “pirate ship” and plenty of pirate crew members to entertain everyone. 
                                                    
A Haunted Car Wash is $20 per car and proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. 
 
To learn more about Briteway Car Wash, visit their website at https://www.britewaycarwash.com
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582. 

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Adopts Hot Shots Soccer Program for Girls. Fall Season Begins September 12th

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has adopted the popular Hot Shots Soccer girls sports program. Hot Shots founder John Wilpers will continue to run the program.

Founded in 1996, Hot Shots is a popular sports programs for girls ages 2 to 7 years old that builds girls’ self-esteem, athletic skills, love of reading, and bonds with their parents and caregivers in a supportive, fun-filled, non-competitive environment. Hot Shots uses imaginative games including puppets, pillow fights, squirt guns, and tutus. They start with storytime, and each girl gets a bag of books to take home every week. Parents are full participants in all the games.

Hot Shots doesn’t use traditional drills like dribbling around cones or standing in line to shoot at a goal. Every silly Hot Shots activity actually reinforces a specific skill. Ninety percent of Hot Shots graduates feel more confident, independent, proud and comfortable in social settings. Over 25 years, more than 5,000 girls have graduated from Hot Shots, with many girls returning to coach after they’re too old to play.

“It’s a match made in heaven as the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and Hot Shots passionately share the same goal: Empowering young people to reach their potential,” said John Wilpers, Hot Shots founder.

Hots Shots fall season will be held outdoors and will run every Sunday from September 12 through November 14, 2021. The program is offered at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., and parents/caregivers choose the time that works best. All sessions are open to all ages as the girls play only with their parents/caregivers, never competing against other girls.

Hot Shots new permanent home is at the Club at 37 Proprietor’s Drive in Marshfield.

For more information and to register for Hot Shots, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/hotshots

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to Host End of Summer Camp Barbecue on August 26th

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield will host an end of Summer Camp Barbecue on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. for all the campers enrolled.

Campers will enjoy a barbecue hosted and provided by the Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub of Pembroke. Several other local businesses including Modera Marshfeld, Waterfront Realty, Montana Aldridge Mortgage, McDonough Paving, Stenbeck & Taylor, and Balance Nutrition are sponsoring other fun activities such as an inflatable obstacle course during the event.

Community leaders have also been invited to attend. 

“We’re wrapping up Summer Camp with a splash and a very special barbecue provided by the Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub of Pembroke for our 175 campers as well as for the community leaders who have supported our efforts in providing essential services to children and families over the course of this year,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

Back to School & Better Than Ever

Registration is now open for the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Drop-In After School programming. For more information, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/out-of-school.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Car Seat Safety Event at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on June 26th

Families from Marshfield and surrounding towns are invited to a Car Seat Safety Event at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, 37 Proprietor’s Drive in Marshfield, on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a free event.

The Car Seat Safety Event would serve to inspect car seats installed in vehicles and correct any errors in installation.

“Statistics have shown that car seats that have been properly installed have saved many children during car collisions,” explained Massachusetts State Police Trooper Jessie Barbosa who is a certified Car Seat Technician.

Trooper Barbosa and her team would also take the time to educate families in car seat safety, whether their car seat may have been recalled, and whether the car seat they have is right for the age and weight of their child.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is an essential community connection for many families and provides critical services and information,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “This educational event will help to ensure that children are safe when traveling in a vehicle.”

An Impaired Driving Awareness table, organized by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, will be set up during the event as well.

This event is presented by the Massachusetts State Police, the Marshfield Police, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, and the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

For more information about the Club, visit www.bgcmarshfield.org

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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A blooming partnership between Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield

The center island and community garden at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has taken root and begun to grow thanks to the efforts of the Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield and the Keystone Club.

Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Keystone Club helped the Seaside Gardeners transfer plants from an island that they were converting to predominantly native plants, and beautify the Club’s center island. Seaside Gardeners shared their expertise, teaching Boys & Girls Club members about plants and providing tips for the Club’s community garden.

The Seaside Gardeners, the oldest garden club in the town, returned to the Boys & Girls Club in April to start seedlings and this month to work on the community garden with the kids. The Club’s gardening program involves youth from Kindergarten to grade 12, with the teens getting involved as staff, but learning from the adults. This summer, the community garden will be part of the Club’s summer camp program, and the children will help tend it. Along with that, a specialty cooking camp will be offered, which will use food grown in the garden.

“The children have been very enthusiastic about planting the seeds, watering them and watching them grow,” said Linda Hughes of Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield. “Many children express how much fun they are having and can’t wait to harvest their crops.”  

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Seaside Gardeners and expanding on enrichment and STEM activities through our outdoor classroom gardens,” noted Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. The Club has applied for grants to expand the educational program and is currently seeking other funding opportunities. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Honors 2021 Youth of the Year

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is pleased to announce Shannon Smith, a senior at Marshfield High School, has been named the 2021 Marshfield Youth of the Year.

According to Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, “Shannon truly sets an example for others. She has an incredible leadership ability with a capacity for bringing about positive change. It’s a pleasure to honor Shannon as the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Youth of the Year and we wish her every success in the future.”

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, selects one exceptional Club member as “Youth of the Year” to serve as an ambassador for the Club’s youth as well as a voice for all young people. 

Ms. Smith has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield since fourth grade. Over the past three years, Ms. Smith has held a number of leadership roles. In June of 2018 she became a Counselor in Training (CIT) learning about childcare from Club staff which included how to handle a variety of different situations. In 2019, she became Club staff with the role of overseeing young club members in the afterschool program and campers in the summer camp program. That same year, Ms. Smith became Keystone Secretary, and organized three key initiatives – a Career Prep, a food drive and a Teen Cram (to help with homework). She was named Keystone President in November of 2020, and among her accomplishments, she organized two successful events for families in the community – an Egg My Yard Easter event and a Kids Night Out.

Shannon Smith
Shannon Smith,
2021 Marshfield Youth of the Year

Outside of the Club, Ms. Smith has received Honors and High Honors for most of her high school career. She has been involved in Irish Step Dance at Dunleavy Boyle Academy in Hanover since she was three years old. She has danced competitively for many years and received a number of awards through competing, which included advancing to two World Championship events. Ms. Smith is a dedicated volunteer, helping around town with Grad Nite Live and arranging food donations. She has also helped with and donated to A Simple Gesture, the local food donation organization.

Ms. Smith will be attending Merrimack College in the fall and majoring in Business/Marketing. 

Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Club’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone, especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield recognizes the efforts and leadership of all of this year’s candidates for Youth of the Year – Shannon Smith, Alyson Kerr, Ava Lane, Victoria Varney and Hayden Brown.

Bunnell continued, “We are grateful for their dedication, passion and efforts, especially this past year during the pandemic.”

“We were very impressed with all the finalists. They should all be proud of themselves and what they have accomplished, and will accomplish,” said Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield board member, John Wilpers, who is the founder of Hot Shots Sports Program for Girls. “Shannon’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact the Boys & Girls Club can have on one person, and then the transformative impact that person can have on others. Shannon is the living embodiment of the Boys & Girls Club mission and richly deserves to be named Youth of the Year.”

According to Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield board member Paul Reardon of Investment Advisory Group, LLC, “Every year that I have been involved with the Boys & Girls Club, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Youth of the Year winner, and this year is no exception. The Club had a great group of candidates and they are all a great example of the impact the Club is having in the community.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield would like to thank Mark and Dawn Warsofsky, who are the sponsors of the Youth of the Year program and provide scholarships. For more information about Youth of the Year, visit www.bgcmarshfield.org

About Youth of the Year Program

For more than 70 years, the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America.

Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the Youth of the Year for our Club and they go on to compete for State and National titles.  They serve as an ambassador for our Boys & Girls Club’s youth as well as a voice for all of our nation’s young people. Over the decades, these individuals have exemplified the Boys & Girls Club mission and are proof to the impact Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. National Youth of the Year winners have achieved success in a variety of industries, including entertainment, politics, business and sports.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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May is National Water Safety Month. Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces Learn to Swim & Water Safety Programs

May is National Water Safety Month and the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has announced programs to teach water safety and reduce drowning risk. 

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield logo

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. The AAP recommends swim lessons, as a layer of protection against drowning, that can begin for many children starting at age one (Healthychildren.org).

It’s important that every family member learns how to swim. Swim program registration is now open at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. The nine-week sessions will be held June 20, 2021 through August 22, 2021.

Learn to Swim introduction and advanced programs are offered to baby/toddler (eight weeks to 35 months old) with a parent. Class ratio is six to one, lessons are 30 minutes long and the fee is $150 for the session.

Preschool and Youth level (three to 12 years) Learn to Swim sessions are also offered. The class ratio is four to one, lessons are 30 minutes long and the session fee is $150.

Private Lessons are also offered in 30 minute sessions ($40 a session) or 30 minute semi-private for two swimmers of similar ability ($60 each session). Private lessons are ideal for a child who needs more specialized attention or those who want to work on a specific skill. A schedule of times will be available in June. 

Swim Club is a fun recreational summer swim team. The focus is on building strong, confident swimmers who are passionate about the water and exercise, as well as being a part of a team.

Minis Swim Club, for ages three to six years, runs once per week ($150). Youth Swim Club, for ages six to nine years, runs three times per week ($175). Middle School Swim Club, for ages 10 to 14 years, runs three times a week ($175). Swimmers will need their own pair of swimming fins and goggles. A mesh back and kickboard are also recommended. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield will also offer American Red Cross Certification classes. For more information and class times for Lifeguard Training, Lifeguard Instructor Training and Lifeguard Recertification classes, email Stephanie Higgins at stephanie@bgcmarshfield.org.

For more information and to register for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s swim programs, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/swimprograms/learn-to-swim

Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield pivoted their lessons with reopening procedures, and offered swimming lessons as parent-child lessons for those who would need support. Essential swim lessons were provided to 150 children at the Club pool last summer.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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