Arrow Prep Program

Established in 1973, the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown has evolved from a juvenile diversion program serving boys out of a vacant downtown store, into a highly visible youth development program inspiring over 2,500 boys and girls annually.

From 1973 through 1984 the Boys & Girls Club served its purpose of keeping kids busy and out of trouble at its downtown location. Then in 1984, the Board of Directors raised $526,000 in order to construct a new facility adjacent to the high school and indoor swimming pool. This facility not only housed the Boys & Girls Club, but also included a fitness facility operated by the City. For ten years the new facility was large enough. But as community needs increased, the usage of the Boys & Girls Club grew from 101 youth per day in 1993 to over 133 per day in 1997. This growth coupled with a need for a place for teens to gather was the driving force for the expansion that was completed in 1998. The $1.8 million expansion included a teen center, gymnasium, youth locker rooms, running track, offices and an early childhood develop area.

Not only has the Boys & Girls Club grown on-site, but also in the number of sites programs are offered at as well. The Boys & Girls Club administers programs in each of the elementary schools during the school year, as well as a summer program at one elementary school. This program is called Kidscope. Many parents enjoy the convenience of having services in their neighborhood.

Arrow Prep began at the main facility at the start of the 2001 school year to provide a program for 4 through 6 year olds. This program allowed the facility to be utilized while school age youth are in school during the day.

2013 marked 40 years of service to the youth in our community and continued organizational growth. Because of numerous partnerships with local, state and federal entities, we are proud to provide quality child care programs, early childhood development programs, youth development programs and teenage programming to youth in seven different locations across the Watertown community.