Our Story
The Boys & Girls Club of Shinnecock Nation, originally known as the Shinnecock Youth Clubhouse, began in December 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the pandemic, the Shinnecock Youth Clubhouse could only offer virtual services to youth ages 12 to 21. Our founding Program Coordinator recognized a lack of services and a strong need within the Shinnecock Nation, and developed a curriculum to meet the needs of our youth. Shinnecock culture was placed at the heart of that curriculum, because there were too few opportunities for Shinnecock youth to learn about their own history and heritage. Each month featured programming under a different theme, including Native Teachings, Shinnecock History, Sustainability, and Community Engagement. Speakers and instructors from both within and beyond the Shinnecock community presented to youth via Zoom, and the calendar quickly filled, with services offered five days a week.
The Shinnecock Youth Clubhouse has since grown into the Boys & Girls Club of Shinnecock Nation. Since becoming chartered through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in September 2021, the Club has provided countless opportunities, programs, and resources for Shinnecock youth and young adults, and has made lasting contributions to the Shinnecock Nation. Today, the Boys & Girls Club of Shinnecock Nation serves over 100 members ages 4 to 24, all at no cost, with no application or membership fee. Our members enjoy regalia-making classes, Shinnecock history and language classes, recreational and sports activities, trips, and so much more. We are also expanding remote access so that Shinnecock community members living off territory can participate, no matter where they are.