Military Communities Need Club Kids
For over 35 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with the U.S. Armed Services to help military-connected youth belong, grow, lead and thrive, on and off installation.
Free or reduced annual membership
at your local Boys and Girls Clubs.
Free or reduced annual memberships for military-connected youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America offer free or reduced annual memberships to military youth – ages 5 to 18 from Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families through our partnership with the Department of Defense.
Click here for more information on Mission: Youth Outreach and click here to see which organizations are currently participating. If you do not see the Boys &Girls Club nearest you on this list, please contact our team to request their participation.
Military Communities Need Club Kids
For over 35 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the U.S. Armed Services have partnered to support military-connected youth with life-changing programs, caring mentors, and opportunities to build a great future.
Youth on Installations
Serving youth on U.S. military installations around the world.
BGCA-Affiliated Youth Centers
Around the globe, connecting military-connected youth to great futures.
Youth in Communities
Reaching military-connected youth in communities nationwide.
Stronger Communities
Uniting military families and communities to empower youth.
News & Stories
At just 16, discover how Jacob is using the arts to shine a light on teens’ experiences with mental health and growing up in a military family.
Youth Leaders will Help Shape Future Programs and Services for Club Kids Nationwide
We asked seven National Military Youth of the Year winners to share their Club Experiences and what growing up in a military family means to them.
Working Together to Improve the Lives of Military Families
Since 2016, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with government agencies, military-serving organizations, private sector corporations and foundations to improve the lives of military families in civilian communities where the need is greatest.
Called the “Better Together” partnership, this ground-breaking public-private collaboration is focused on taking action to support military youth and their families.
Resources have been aligned to help military-connected youth become more resilient and develop the skills necessary to enter the workforce. All resources are available for free through this site and our services and partner sites listed below.
The Association of US Army provides a voice for the Army, supports the Soldier, and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation.
Blue Star Families is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening America’s military families through community building.
The mission of the Military Child Education Coalition is to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation.
Military OneSource provides military families expert support and information on community resources that are proven and practical.
National Military Family Association offers Military camps, family retreats, and healing adventures targeted to military youth in the United States and abroad.
The Army National Guard Child & Youth Services promotes and sustain the quality of life and resilience of Army National Guard dependent children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs.
Army Reserve Family Programs (ARFP) is a comprehensive blend of quality of life programs in support of Department of Defense activities. Family Programs is a Commander’s force multiplier for mission readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children ages 6–18 of eligible military-connected families may qualify for free or reduced-cost memberships through Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Youth Programs. Eligibility generally includes Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and certain Veteran or Gold Star families. Requirements may vary based on funding and your local Club.
The easiest way is to search for your local Club using your ZIP code. Your Club can confirm eligibility requirements and help you complete enrollment.
Many eligible military-connected families receive free memberships, while others may qualify for significantly reduced annual membership fees depending on their location and available funding.
Military Youth Programs serve eligible families connected to:
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Space Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
- National Guard
- Reserve Components
through partnerships with the Department of Defense and participating military services.
Boys & Girls Clubs and Military Youth Programs offer age-appropriate experiences that help military-connected youth learn, grow, and build lasting friendships. Depending on your local Club or Youth Center, programs may include:
- After-school programs
- Summer programs and camps
- STEM and robotics
- Sports and recreation
- Arts and creative expression
- Academic support and homework help
- Leadership and service opportunities
- College and career readiness
- Teen programs, including Keystone Club
Whether your child is adjusting to a recent PCS move or looking to explore new interests, Clubs provide safe places, caring mentors, and opportunities to thrive.
Yes. Boys & Girls Clubs of America serves military-connected youth both on military installations and in local communities nationwide, ensuring families can stay connected even after PCS moves.
Military families move frequently. Because Boys & Girls Clubs has affiliated Youth Centers around the world and community Clubs across the country, many families can continue participating after relocating.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with the U.S. Armed Services since 1991, providing more than 35 years of support for military-connected youth through Military Youth Programs.
Today, Military Youth Programs support:
- 285,000+ youth on military installations
- 23,000+ military-connected youth in communities nationwide
- 450+ BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers around the globe
These partnerships help ensure military-connected youth have access to safe places, caring mentors, and life-changing programs wherever military life takes them.
MYO is an initiative that provides eligible military youth with free or discounted memberships at participating Boys & Girls Clubs, along with access to a wide range of enriching programs and activities. It’s a community-based solution that helps eligible military-connected youth thrive, no matter where they are stationed.
MYO is available to dependent youth, ages 5 to 18, whose parent/guardian is currently a member of an active-duty, National Guard or Reserve military component.
Benefits of the program for families include:
- No-Cost/Discounted Memberships: Military youth receive free or discounted annual membership at participating Clubs. Families may still be responsible for other costs such as summer camp, transportation, or activity-based fees.
- Enrichment Programs: Access to a variety of programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship.
- Consistent Support: A stable, engaging environment that helps mitigate challenges Military life may bring.
- Community Connection: A welcoming space where military youth can build lasting relationships and mentorship.
Families can enroll at www.bgca.org/military. Once enrolled, a confirmation email will be sent, families then take the confirmation email to the local Club, where they will present verifying military ID and sign up with the local organization.
For further details or questions regarding MYO and the enrollment process, please contact BGCA’s MYO support team at myo@bgca.org.
Enter your ZIP code in the Club Locator to find participating Boys & Girls Clubs near your home or military installation. Your local Club can answer questions about eligibility, enrollment, and available programs.
