Brigade Boys & Girls Club

Brigade Boys & Girls Club has been in the “youth development business” in our community for over 120 years. Colonel Walker Taylor first recognized the need for quality youth development services in 1896, when five boys gathered at Immanuel Presbyterian Church for Colonel Taylor’s new club: “The Wilmington Boys’ Brigade.” Initial programming for Brigade boys consisted of drills, learning marching formations, and playing sports such as track and baseball. As the Wilmington Boys’ Brigade expanded, some boys also acted in drama club, orated in debate society, and undertook vocational classes. Brigade soon became a community fixture, holding bazaars, producing plays, and sponsoring guest speakers on a regular basis. In the years since, Brigade has grown exponentially in service area and scope. Today, We serve over 2,300 youth, grades K-12, in New Hanover, Onslow and Pender Counties in after-school and summer programs focusing on five core program areas: Education & Career Development, Character & Leadership Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. A proud affiliate of the nationally renowned Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Brigade has been able to expand its reach without forgetting its roots: the children we serve, and the community we are blessed to call home.