About Us

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County was founded in 1946 with the mission of “enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” In our 75+ year history, we have become the premier provider of affordable after school youth services in the county.

When the school bell rings, four blue doors open at our Clubhouses across the county to provide safe, positive environments for young people.  We accept youth who have attended their first day of first grade up until they turn 18. We are proud to operate facilities in Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, and Lynden.

When school is out, Clubs are in!

The hours from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, are statistically the most dangerous time of the day for youth. With no adult supervision, young people are more likely to experiment with tobacco, drugs or alcohol and consider engaging in criminal activity. Our goal is to not only prevent these poor choices, but to use the critical after school hours for productive, fun, engaging high yield learning activities under the guidance of caring youth development professionals.

Our Clubhouses are open every day after school to receive youth daily. When school is out, Clubs are in! We believe that, with the guidance of supportive staff, youth development doesn’t have to stop with the school bell. All of our Clubhouses offer programs designed to engage members in our three focus areas; academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. By targeting these three important areas, we are helping our members work toward high school graduation, prepared for college or a career, while teaching them values like respect, generosity, and leadership. Help us create Great Futures.

Membership

We will never turn a child away based on their inability to pay. As part of our mission to enable “those who need us most”, we keep membership fees low and offer scholarships for those who are unable to pay. Annual membership costs just $40 per child, while the actual cost to support each of our members per year is estimated to be $1,500.

Learn more or become a member

 

Programs That Work

Bellingham Branch
Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County
1715 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA
(360) 527-9777

 

Blaine Branch
Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County
635 8th St., Blaine, WA
(360) 332-3008

 

Ferndale Branch
Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County
2015 Cherry St., Ferndale, WA
(360) 384-0753

 

Lynden Branch
Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County
8800 Bender Rd., Lynden, WA
(360) 354-9959

 

Your Week to Give Ends In Record-Breaking Result

Your Week to Give from the Heart, our week-long online fundraiser, was held from February 5-10. Along with an impressive silent auction was an exciting matching gift opportunity thanks to long time committed Club advocate, Patricia Ann. Generous community members used...

Join Us for the 23rd Annual All County Breakfast

We invite you to join us for our annual All County Breakfast presented by Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery on Thursday, November 3rd at the Ferndale Clubhouse. The morning will include a buffet breakfast, community awards, and an update on Club activities. Breakfast will...

Virtual Gala & Auction Has Record-Breaking Community Support

Our third virtual Inspire Higher Dreams Gala & Auction on April 29th had record-breaking results! In total, the community and our event sponsors raised a staggering $383,516 - the highest amount that we have ever raised at a virtual event! We are deeply humbled by...

Your Week to Give From the Heart

The second Your Week to Give From the Heart will be happening this year from February 13 – 18, 2022. This virtual event will feature a week-long auction full of exciting items and a matching gift from a generous community member. We can't wait for you to join us in...

2021 Virtual All County Breakfast Met With Outstanding Support

The annual All County Breakfast was held virtually again this year on Thursday, November 4th. From the comfort of their homes, guests watched the Good Morning Whatcom show hosted by CEO Heather Powell and CDO Sara Maloney. Featured stories included the Junior Staff...

Virtual Inspire Higher Dreams Gala & Auction Met with Great Success

Our second virtual Inspire Higher Dreams Gala & Auction was a great success this year! In addition to a one hour livestream hosted by CEO Heather Powell and CDO Sara Maloney, there was a live and silent auction that provided opportunities to bid on unique and...

Inaugural “Your Week to Give From the Heart” Raises $52,131

What an amazing week of giving!  Our first “Your Week to Give From the Heart” virtual fundraiser & auction had great success, raising $52,131 for our local kids. A heartfelt thanks to our committed corporate sponsors, hardworking committee members, generous...

Virtual All County Breakfast Turned Out A Record-Breaking Result

We held the Virtual All County Breakfast presented by Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery on November 5th, 2020. Guests tuned in from the safety of their own home for our morning program, Good Morning Whatcom, hosted by Heather Powell, CEO, and Sara Maloney, CDO. Headlines...

21st Virtual All County Breakfast

We are taking our 21st Annual All County Breakfast virtual! Join us for a morning of fun, kid performances, and more! You will have the option of having a “breakfast box” for two safely delivered to your door to enjoy during the event.  Date: November 5th, 2020 Time:...

Reimagine Higher Dreams Virtual Gala is Met with Outstanding Community Support

Although our annual Gala looked very different this year, the generous support from our guests remained the same. Hosted on a virtual platform live-streamed from the Silver Reef Casino Resort, this year’s Gala featured an array of exciting live & silent auction...