OUR HISTORY
1900: A safe place to play
A group of concerned local citizens in Saint John, New Brunswick set up a “public playground movement” to provide a safe place for children to play, in particular boys from disadvantaged circumstances who had no place to go after school. Originally established as the “Every Day Club,” it was later named The East End Boys Club of Saint John, the first Boys Club in Canada.
1929: Officially established
In 1929, the Boys’ Club Federation of Canada was officially established by Vernon McAdam, the first National Executive Director. In 1947, the organization was renamed Boys’ Clubs of Canada, and a year later was recognized by the Canadian government as a national nonprofit. In 1974, to reflect the growing number of young girls participating in Club programs, the organization changed its name to “Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada”.
Today: In communities nationwide
The need is still great for the vital educational, recreational, and skills development programs and services Boys and Girls Clubs offer in communities nationwide. In small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities, Boys and Girls Clubs continue to help young people overcome barriers, form positive relationships, and mature into responsible, caring adults.
Boys and Girls Clubs have now changed their name to BGC.
A group of concerned local citizens in Saint John, New Brunswick set up a “public playground movement” to provide a safe place for children to play, in particular boys from disadvantaged circumstances who had no place to go after school. Originally established as the “Every Day Club,” it was later named The East End Boys Club of Saint John, the first Boys Club in Canada.
1929: Officially established
In 1929, the Boys’ Club Federation of Canada was officially established by Vernon McAdam, the first National Executive Director. In 1947, the organization was renamed Boys’ Clubs of Canada, and a year later was recognized by the Canadian government as a national nonprofit. In 1974, to reflect the growing number of young girls participating in Club programs, the organization changed its name to “Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada”.
Today: In communities nationwide
The need is still great for the vital educational, recreational, and skills development programs and services Boys and Girls Clubs offer in communities nationwide. In small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities, Boys and Girls Clubs continue to help young people overcome barriers, form positive relationships, and mature into responsible, caring adults.
Boys and Girls Clubs have now changed their name to BGC.
BGC Renfrew County Celebrates 60 Years!
In June 2025, BGC Renfrew County proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary alongside Club Day, a national celebration held every June. Our milestone was recognized by the City of Pembroke with our flag flying at City Hall and an official acknowledgment from City Council.
The day was filled with fun, community spirit, and over 300 participants. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and generous partners: Steven and Julie’s No Frills for donating lemonade supplies and a $300 contribution, and Ry-J’s Climbing Adventures for providing inflatable games and bouncy castles.
We are also grateful to St. John Ambulance, the Pembroke O.P.P. Detachment, and the Pembroke Fire Department for their support, as well as local dignitaries Mayor Ron Gervais, M.P.P. Billy Denault, and M.P. Cheryl Gallant for joining us in the celebration.
Thank you to everyone who made this milestone event possible—it was a true reflection of the strength and support of our community!
The day was filled with fun, community spirit, and over 300 participants. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and generous partners: Steven and Julie’s No Frills for donating lemonade supplies and a $300 contribution, and Ry-J’s Climbing Adventures for providing inflatable games and bouncy castles.
We are also grateful to St. John Ambulance, the Pembroke O.P.P. Detachment, and the Pembroke Fire Department for their support, as well as local dignitaries Mayor Ron Gervais, M.P.P. Billy Denault, and M.P. Cheryl Gallant for joining us in the celebration.
Thank you to everyone who made this milestone event possible—it was a true reflection of the strength and support of our community!