Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale has re-opened five of its nine branches following a two-month closure.

On Monday, May 18, according to a press release, the locations were reopened after activities were suspended to slow the spread of the coronavirus in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

Opening summer day camps from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, are: The Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch in south Scottsdale, the Virginia G. Piper Branch in the Scottsdale Ranch neighborhood; McKee Branch in Fountain Hills; Thunderbirds Branch in the Grayhawk Community; and the Vestar Branch in Desert Ridge.

Each branch also has a teen center offering summer teen programming, the release said.

“Many of the families we serve are heading back to their places of business and really need us right now,” said BGCS President/CEO Robyn Julien  in a prepared statement. 

“We have spent the past two months preparing our safe reopening plan that follows all updated CDC guidelines and training teammates on new procedures and practices.”

The five clubs reopening underwent deep cleaning and sanitizing, painting, and reorganizing, described the release, noting that parents/guardians can expect curbside drop-offs and pickups which include temperature checks upon check-in.

The following additional safety procedures are in place:

• Curbside drop-offs and pickups in the front of all open clubs
• All club members and staff will have their body temperature taken before entering the building using no touch thermometers
• Hand sanitizer will be required for all before entering the building
• Planned/spaced hand washing for members between rotations during the day
• Members will be reminded not to touch their faces and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing
• Hourly disinfecting of high-touch areas
• Programming that is social distancing conscious with instructions and reminders at the beginning of each rotation
• Field trips and external outings have been cancelled until further notice
• Entry to the clubs is prohibited to anyone who does not provide direct services to members including sports clinics and camps

“Our team of youth development professionals have been planning weekly themes, reading and literacy activities, STEAM --- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math --- projects, games and challenges and a lot of fun for our members,” said Ms. Julien.

“Kids are ready to get back to the business of being kids, and we are thrilled to be there for them.”

Space is limited to keep grouping of kids to 10 or less during each rotation, the release added.

For youth members, the cost is $179 a week. Teen members attend at no charge with a current $25 annual membership.

Register at: bgcs.org/clubconnect.