History
Since our founding in 1991, our Club has a rich tradition of serving the youth in our community.
1991 - Club is founded as STOPP (Students to Offset Peer Pressure) offering services to teens
1993 - Name is changed to Souhegan Valley Teens, then Souhegan Valley
1994-1997 - Club operates at the National Guard Armory
1997 - Programs move to the Granite Grange in Milford
By the fall of 1999, the Club has 75 members and is averaging 40 children a day
2000 - Programs move to a renovated storefront in Granite Town Plaza
Daily attendance increases to 60 kids a day!
2004 - The Club moves to its current home
The former American Stage Festival building and property is purchased by the Amato family and donated as the site of a new facility. A capital campaign is launched to renovate the theater and build a new Club around the existing structure. A footbridge is installed over the Souhegan River to connect the Club to the town’s recreation fields, pool, tennis courts, and skate park.
2006 - The Club launches the Riverbend Youth Company
The BGCSV produces its first ever musical, Les Miserables, in early 2006, closely followed by Anne of Green Gables, at the new facility. This begins a defining focus on the arts, reflected in the 100+ youth productions that are performed by the RYC in the next twelve years.
2007 - the Club floods
On April 16, the Club suffers devastating floods that forces the building to close. Thanks to incredible support from the community, programs are offered in alternate locations and the Club reopens on May 21.
2009 - Club membership increases to 630 kids a year!
2012 - Community Action for Safe Teens (CAST) becomes a committee of the BGCSV
CAST joins with a charter to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy choices for youth throughout Souhegan Valley.
Spring 2016 - BGCSV breaks ground on new gym
Club staff, board members, and the 2016 Youth of the Year grab their shovels and break ground for the new gym, which is built over the next six months.
Fall 2016 - The gym officially opens!
In October 2016, Club members cut the ribbon on the brand new gymnasium, starting the newest chapter in the history of the Club. We are proud to offer ongoing athletic programs and allow our kids the space to play all year round.
2018 - Greenfield unit opens
In the fall of 2018, the Souhegan Valley Club opened its first satellite site in Greenfield, NH
Today
The Club is a thriving organization and community staple, serving more than 1,000 members each year in the towns surrounding us with an average of close to 200 kids coming through our doors each day. Programming runs all year round and includes academic help, athletic programs, a vibrant theater community, engaging STEAM programming, and community service and leadership clubs. We love our members and couldn’t be happier with where the Club continues to go.
