SUMMER OF EXPLORATION
Get ready for a summer full of discovery, creativity, and adventure with the Boys & Girls Club Summer of Exploration! From hands-on STEAM activities at the Boys & Girls Club to outdoor adventures at Columbus Youth Camp, there’s something for every child to explore.
At the Boys & Girls Club, youth can learn, grow, and play through a variety of engaging experiences for all ages. From STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities to active recreation, kids can design products to 3D print, experiment with science, enjoy swimming on select dates*, and make lasting memories with friends. (*Swimming at the Boys & Girls Club is available on select dates. Swimsuit, towel, and Club Card required.)
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For those who love the outdoors, Adventures at Columbus Youth Camp offers the perfect summer escape! With a weekly maximum of 70 campers, CYC provides an exciting environment where nature is the classroom and exploration leads the way. Campers will hike trails, learn archery, play gaga ball, create nature-inspired crafts, and cool off with water fun like the inflatable water slide, sprinklers, and slip ’n slide. A hot lunch is provided daily thanks to Bartholomew County School Corporation Food Services.
No matter where your summer adventure begins, Summer of Exploration is all about trying new things, building friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences!​
SUMMER ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!
Weekly fees for a regular week of Summer of Exploration (SOE) Club, Camp, and Teens are based on TOTAL HOUSEHOLD taxable income. Parents/guardians must provide a tax return to apply for the sliding fee scale.
$75,000 or more $150/member*
$50K - $74,999 $135/member*
$35K - $49,999 $105/member*
$20K - $34,999 $75/member*
$10k - $19,999 $45/member*
$0 - $9,999 $37.50/member*
*sliding fee scale applies
Additional Fees:
Summer Break Membership Fee: $20 per member
Day Visit Pass (not available for Camp): $30 per member
Registration is REQUIRED. Deadline for registration is the SUNDAY at NOON before your child attends for the week (or when maximum enrollment is reached). This includes registering for all overnights and field trips. A late fee of $5/child will be charged for all late registrations when space is available. MUST be K-12 grades during the '25-'26 School Year.
HOW TO GET STARTED
SUMMER OF EXPLORATION
​ENROLLMENT OVERVIEW:
Everyone needs a membership to get started. Once you make an account in our membership portal and pay for your membership, then you decide which option each week is best for you.
If you are an incoming 1st-6th grader you get to choose "Club" or "Camp" when registering for each week. "Club" stays at FFY 405 Hope Ave Facility. "Camp" get on a bus and rides out to Columbus Youth Camp daily.
SOE 2026
#FFYTEENS
BROCHURE​
All incoming 7th-12th graders are invited to join The Club and be an #FFYTEEN. By purchasing a membership and enrolling each week #FFYTEENS will have a safe space to hang out, experiences on and off site throughout the week. Experiences include visiting local parks, going to movies, touring local universities and trade school, volunteering around the community and engaging with other local programs.
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Fill out a membership form and get registered!
Email all forms and questions to info@foundationforyouth.com
No printer? No problem! Come into FFY and see us.
MORE INFORMATION
SAFETY IS #1!
We abide by BGCA's guidelines for safety while at FFY & CYC which include the following:
Staff are able to be recognized easily by wearing BGCA/FFY attire along with a visible name tag. We strive for a ratio of 1:15 or less within our organized activities and 1:20 for large group playtime. we utilize BGCA's bathroom guidelines. The prohibition of one-on-one contact. All staff must be fully trained and above 18 before conducting an activity without supporting staff.​
ACA CERTIFICATION
Columbus Youth Camp is proud to hold an American Camp Association accreditation. The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 11,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.
IMPORTANT DATES​​​​​
ALL SOE CLUB CAMP OUT | July 1-2, 2026​​
Our annual All SOE Club at Columbus Youth Camp will take place July 1–2, 2026!There is no additional fee for active members enrolled for the week. Dinner and breakfast are included! Tent and cabin camping options are available, depending on age. Pre-registration is required.
ALL CYC DAYS
There are just a few special celebration days throughout the summer when ALL SOE participants will head to Columbus Youth Camp for the day! Drop-off and pick-up will remain the same as usual. By 9:00 AM, everyone will head to camp and return by 4:30 PM.
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July 1 – SOE Campout
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July 2 – SOE Campout (optional)
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July 31 – SOE Carnival
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August 3–4 – SOE Field Days
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CLOSURES
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May 21
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May 22
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May 25
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July 3
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING​​​
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Smart Girls/Passport to Manhood; Youth for Unity
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Jr. Masters Gardening
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Jr. Librarians and weekly programming from the Bartholomew County Public Library
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DIY STEM
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M.E.T.A.S. Making Education Thrive Around Summertime for elementary students. Partnered with Su Casa. Special field trips will be offered- Referral through Su Casa is required to enroll.
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FIELD TRIPS​​​
​JUNE 12TH | THE COMMONS EXCURSION | 9:30AM - 3:45PM | $12 REGISTRATION FEE
FFY Kids will have a fun trip to the Kid's Commons in the morning, then head across the street to the Commons for a provided sack lunch and some play! No additional funds are needed.
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JUNE 26TH | BOWLING ALLEY/MILLRACE | 12:00PM - 4:45PM | $12 REGISTRATION FEE
FFY kids will visit our local bowling alley for some fun. Afterwards we will spend the afternoon in the fun and sunshine of Millrace Park. Lunch will be provided. No additional funds are needed.
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JULY 10TH |RASCAL'S FUN ZONE | 10:00AM - 4:30PM | $20 REGISTRATION FEE
FFY Kids will venture to Rascals Fun Zone where each child will receive a wristband allowing them to play unlimited attractions for 2 hours. A sack lunch will be provided. No additional funds are needed.
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​JULY 17TH | URBAN AIR | 12:00PM - 4:00PM | $20 REGISTRATION FEE
FFY Kids will head to Urban Air where they will receive a wristband that will give them access to multiple attractions. A waiver is required to be signed by parents before attending this trip. Lunch will be eaten at club before departure. No additional funds are needed.
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JULY 24TH | WONDERLAB | 10:00AM - 5:00PM | $15 REGISTRATION FEE
FFY Kids will head to WonderLab for a fun and educational experience. We will experience multiple attractions/displays as well as participate in a science demo led by Wonderlab staff members. A sack lunch is provided. No additional funds are needed.
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**Please Note: Lunch will be provided for your child on all field trip days. Please send a water bottle with your child, pack bug spray, sun screen and a change of clothes if your child will need it.**​
SPECIALTY CAMPS
CYC Specialty Camps let kids dive into what they love while enjoying all the fun of summer camp. Each themed week—from STEM and sports to arts, cooking, and outdoor adventure—offers hands-on activities that spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage teamwork. With engaging projects, experienced staff, and occasional field trips, campers explore new interests and make lasting memories.
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With BGC membership, pickup and drop-off at FFY is available. Drop-off at FFY between 6:00-8:30am. Pickup at FFY between 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
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BGC MEMBERSHIP WEEKLY FEE: $20/member
TEEN SUMMER PROGRAM (Ages 13–18)
The Boys & Girls Club Teen Summer Program is designed for youth entering 7th–12th grade, offering opportunities to build life skills, explore future careers, and discover their path in a supportive and engaging environment.
Teens have access to a variety of experiences that keep them active, connected, and inspired:
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The CLUB – A dedicated space to drop in, hang out, and participate in sports, arts, and service projects
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College & Career Resources – Scholarships, mentorship, and job networking opportunities
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Life-Enhancing Experiences – STEM activities, sports leagues, and summer camps
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Community Engagement – Building relationships with peers and caring adult mentors
BENEFITS FOR TEENS
Our program supports growth in every area of a teen’s life:
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Academic Enrichment – Strengthening essential life and academic skills
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Positive Mentorship – Guidance and encouragement from trusted adults
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Safe & Supportive Environment – A place where teens feel valued and confident
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Life-Changing Opportunities – Experiences that help teens explore their future
FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCES
Teens enjoy exciting weekly field trips that combine fun and learning:
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Pool days
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Visits to local organizations
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Career exploration trips
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Camp days
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Movie outings
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Local park adventures
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College visits
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Amusement park trips
Weekly schedules are shared via Remind and posted in the lobby prior to each week. Field trips are included thanks to community sponsors and fundraising efforts. Some trips may require a small additional fee, and the end-of-summer trip will have an extra cost. Teens can participate in community service opportunities to help offset these expenses.
TEEN ROOM
The Teen Room is a dedicated space where teens can truly be themselves—free from judgment and separate from younger members. Teens are allowed to have cell phones, personal items, and play video games (rated Teen and under), creating a comfortable and familiar environment. Each teen is responsible for their own belongings.
This exclusive space fosters independence, confidence, and connection.
COMMUNITY SERVICE & FUNDRAISING
Each summer, teens and staff work together to fundraise for field trips and special experiences.
Activities may include car washes, “dine to donate” events, and other creative initiatives. We welcome new ideas and community partnerships to support these efforts. Families are encouraged to share suggestions or connections with the Teen Director.
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily—including during field trips. Teens are also welcome to bring their own meals or purchase food on trips using their own money.
STAY IN THE KNOW!
Join the FFY Newsletter to get the latest updates on our programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and more!
