Inside the Club - July 2026 Newsletter
June absolutely flew by! We’re still trying to wrap our heads around it all, but these past couple of weeks have filled us with so much joy.
From our kids receiving free soccer cleats, HUGE thanks to the Redlands Football Soccer Club and Stater Bros. Markets, to a super fun sushi-making session and the magic of summer camp — it’s truly been a month to remember.
And it’s all because of you.
Take a look back with us and check out the photos, dive into an inspiring chat with Cassandra, a Club member who found a lifeline in our programs and find out why we host our annual Back to School Shopping Spree, and how you can get involved!
Did You See?
Photos From Around the Club
From sports, and STEAM projects to making sushi with our teens take a look a pictures from around the club.
Game On!: From soccer to T-ball, our kids have been on the move. We are so grateful to the Redlands Football Club and Stater Bros. Markets for setting our kids up with brand new cleats, and to the Los Angeles Angels for outfitting our TK and Kindergarteners in the coolest shirts and hats!
Making Memories: Summer Camp is in full swing and the energy is unbelievable! Our campers are busy building friendships and bonding with our incredible staff. Between the art projects, sharpening their STEAM skills, and just having good old fun — we are giving them the summer of a lifetime.
National Sushi Day: Our teens celebrated National Sushi Day in style with Stater Bros. Markets and Fujisan Sushi, as they learned the art of sushi making. We think they nailed it.
Did you catch us in the news? Stater Bros. Charities donation helps local kids take the field.
Help Us Shape a Child's School Year
Imagine walking into the first day of school with a ripped backpack, a worn-down pencil, and a notebook with only two pages left. For many local kids, that embarrassment is a reality.
As everyday costs rise, families are feeling it more than ever, with back-to-school budgets projected to average nearly $490 per child this season. That is why the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside is stepping in to make sure our kids walk into the classroom with confidence.
Through our annual Back-to-School Shopping Event with Kohl’s, 200 Club Kids will head to the store with a community volunteer to pick out $200 worth of brand-new clothes and shoes, completely tax-free. It’s about more than just supplies—it’s about giving them the confidence to learn, grow, and thrive.
But we can't do this alone, and there are still ways for you to make a direct impact before the first bell rings:
· Sponsor a Child’s Shopping Trip: A donation of any size helps fund a student's $200 wardrobe budget.
· Volunteer to Shop: Give your time to walk the aisles alongside a child and help them pick out their new gear.
Bridging Gaps for Families in Need
When Cassandra’s husband lost his job, she went from a stay-at-home mom to primary breadwinner almost overnight. Suddenly, her family of three was scrambling to make ends meet and balance workday with safe, affordable childcare.
In California, childcare averages over $19,500 a year — a huge burden as prices for groceries and bare necessities continue to soar. For Cassandra, and for many parents, the traditional daycare options just weren’t feasible because of high costs conflicting school pickup times.
That is where the BGCGRR stepped in to help.
“If we did not have access to the transportation service, I would not be working,” Cassandra shared. “It has taken so much pressure off of us.”
The Boys and Girls Club provides accessible childcare at a low cost while creating a safe and welcoming spaces with dedicated mentors and impactful programs that has the power to change lives.
Cassandra’s day starts at 6:30 AM when she drops off her son, Derek, at the Club where he has a nutritious breakfast before he hops on the BGCGRR van to be shuttled to school and then back again for afternoon programming. And because the Club stays open until 6:00 PM, Cassandra has the flexibility to work without frantically checking the clock.
But beyond daily care, the family stays strong by participating in our weekly grocery assistance and monthly family dinners. These resources allow them to leave financial stress at the door and reconnect over a hot meal.
Because of your support, we can continue removing these barriers — ensuring that families can build stable futures while kids, like Derek, have a safe space to grow, thrive and just be kids.
“Trusting my only child with anyone is hard but I fully trust BGCGRR and I cannot thank you guys enough,” Cassandra said.
Coming up at the Clubouse
Summer is right around the corner! Become a Camp Champion today and give kids an experience of a lifetime through transformative programming.
June 15 - July 31
Summit for America’s Youth
The BGCA Summit for America’s Youth brings together hundreds of teens and mentors to connect with their peers and advocate for critical issues affecting youth with members of Congress — keep an eye out for coverage.
July 12-18, 2026
Interested in volunteering? Join us at our upcoming Kohl’s Back to School Shopping Spree where local kids get to pick out the gear they need to head into a new school year feeling confident.
July 18, 2026 - 7am - 9am - Redlands
August 1, 2026 - 7am - 9am - Riverside
It’s hard to believe that Summer Camp is almost over. We’re going to miss our Clubhouse filled with laughs and chatter from morning till evening — but we are so excited to help our kids transition into a fantastic new school year.
I would love for you to stay close to the magic this coming fall. Our Clubhouse doors are always open or grab a spot at one of our upcoming events. Your presence means the world to our staff and our kids.
Thank you for standing by us!
Warmly,
Michael Wells
Chief Executive Officer