Boys & Girls Club reports Bel Air growth; commission confirms 3% increase in town support

Representatives of the Boys & Girls Club updated the Town Commission on operations at the Bel Air branch and on countywide programming during the April 24 budget work session.

Derek (presenter for the Boys & Girls Club) said branch leadership changed after a manager resigned for health reasons and that a former club youth, Kat Butterfield, now serves as Bel Air director. Derek said Bel Air attendance rose from roughly 40 kids per day to an average of 75–100 daily after new leadership and that the club now serves about 750 children daily systemwide and expects to serve nearly 4,000 youth this year across sites.

Derek described the club’s eight-week summer enrichment program, licensed through the Maryland Department of Health but not the state’s child-care office (and therefore not eligible for state child-care scholarships). He said the program’s base cost is $185 per week for a 10.5-hour day; the club provides need-based scholarships and conducts targeted outreach to families that cannot afford full cost.

Commissioner Chance asked about funding; town staff confirmed the Boys & Girls Club would receive a 3% increase in town support in FY26. Commissioners praised the club’s outreach to teens and partnership with law enforcement on internet safety and public-safety events.

Why it matters: The club’s expanded enrollment and scholarship efforts affect summer program access for local families and interact with town budget decisions about youth services.

Next steps: The club will proceed with summer program planning and targeted scholarships; staff will include the 3% town increase in the FY26 budget.