Membership: Joining the Club

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club offers three modern facilities: the Southport Clubhouse in Fairfield, the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, and the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse in the North End of Bridgeport. In addition, programs are held at our School-Based Sites at McKinley and Holland Hill Elementary Schools in Fairfield.

Membership provides access to high-quality free or fee-based programs led by professional staff at three safe, engaging, and well-maintained clubhouses. Additionally, membership includes:

  • Open Gym/Rec time
  • Monthly Kids Nights Out
  • Various free programs & activities at each clubhouse throughout the year

Purchase a Membership

Annual Membership Fees:*

Grades K-8: $165/year

Grades 9-12: $83/year

Summer Only Membership Fee:

Grades K-12: $83

2025 Dates: June 16 - Aug 22



*Annual memberships are valid for one year from the day purchased or renewed.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

Please Note:

  • Membership is required for participation in any program at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club's Southport Clubhouse, Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, or Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse.
  • Any youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade, regardless of age or town of residence, may join Wakeman Boys & Girls Club.
  • All memberships are non-refundable.
  • A valid membership will be required throughout the duration of any program and to participate in Open Gym/Open Rec drop-in times.
  • Memberships are valid for programs at all 3 clubhouses.
  • Membership enrollment and renewal is done online here or through the "Online Registration" button at the top of our site.

  • Kindergarten - 8th Grade

    Membership enables eligible youth to utilize the facilities during open recreation hours and to register for various programs, including classes, leagues, camps, and bus transportation from schools (additional fees apply to After School and other programs). Membership registration is done online here or by clicking the green Online Registration button at the top of the website.


    Memberships are valid for one year (365 days) and fees are paid in full at time of enrollment or renewal.

  • 9th-12th Grade

    High School Membership includes after school open gym participation and the ability to register for other programs, including teen leadership clubs and basketball leagues.  


    Membership registration is done online here or by clicking the green Register button at the top of the website.


    Memberships are valid for one year (365 days) and fees are paid in full at time of enrollment or renewal. 

  • College & Young Alumni Membership

    During certain times of the year, recent high school grads and college students may have access to Club amenities based on facility usage and availability. Current membership offerings young adults age 19-22 will be determined in late fall based on current programming.

    For more information, contact Program Director of Sports & Well Being, Keylantra Langley at klangley@wakemanclub.org or 203-259-4805 for the Southport Clubhouse or elisa@wakemanclub.org or 203-908-3378 for the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse.


    Background checks are required of all young adult members, including college students.  Background checks typically take 24-48 hours. 

  • Adults

    Adults can access the Southport Clubhouse for limited, specific usage when youth are not on site. Adults interested in using the facility should contact Keylantra Langley at klangley@wakemanclub.org or 203-259-4805.


    WBGC also offers adult pickleball programming at both the Southport Clubhouse and Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse. Learn more here.


    Background checks are required of all adult members.

  • Non-Members/Guests

    Non-members (guests) can participate in certain one day activities or Open Gym/Open Rec. A $10 surcharge will be applied on top of any program fee.  

    • A guest may attend the Club one time per year for an activity, program, or event.
    • Guests may only attend programs specifically noted as available to guests.
    • To join an additional program or event, a membership is required.
    • Parent/guardian of guest must complete an guest membership application.

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to providing high quality staff, facilities and programs for its members. The Club receives income from a variety of sources including grants, fundraisers, contributions, and fees while relying on volunteers to coach, mentor and serve on Boards and Committees throughout the organization. Without these multiple sources of income, the membership fee alone would cost over $500 per child, per year.

Membership Benefits at Our Facilities

At the Southport Clubhouse, members have access to two full-court basketball gyms, a Power Hour Homework Room, gameroom, technology center, and separate, dedicated  spaces for high school and middle school members. Classrooms host programs that focus on STEAM, community service, and leadership development. Just outside the front door, members can enjoy the full-size turf field, an adjacent Sport Court, and an expanding play area that features a Gaga Ball pit and a newly built outdoor theater! 


The Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse offers a full-size basketball court, classrooms for Power Hour Homework Help and other programs, an art studio, gameroom, dance/fitness studio, technology room, and two teen lounges for middle schoolers and high schoolers. A full kitchen and cafe allows for culinary programming, and snacks and meals are served. Outside there is a grass play space with a Gaga Ball pit and access to the nearby Cal Ripken multi-purpose field, located one-quarter mile from the clubhouse.


The Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse is a new, state-of-the-art facility that opened in October 2023. Members have access to a full gymnasium and auxiliary gym, kitchen & cafe, learning centers, technology Center, teen center, Performing Arts Studio, STEM Learning Space, and outdoor grass area and basketball court. In addition, this community hub features a licensed Early Learning Center serving ages 3-5, and Southwest Community Health Center and Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders will operate out of the clubhouse, expanding the services we can offer to the families in the North End and Hollow neighborhoods.


The Before & After School Programs at our McKinley School-Based Site utilize the school's APR, library, classrooms, gym and outdoor space to provide athletic and STEAM activities and mentoring, while the weekly Great Futures Mentoring Program is also available at our Holland Hill School-Based Site. 


Our facilities are open daily throughout the school year and on weekends and school holidays. The membership fee entitles all members to use any of the three clubhouses on a daily basis, according to the daily schedule and the member's program enrollment. 


Membership also provides access to over 100 fee-based programs, leagues and classes including basketball, football, and other sports programs, arts programs, Keystone Club, Torch Club, After School Program, and Summer Day & Specialty Camps.

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