The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) increased its programming capacity this month to 40 percent in time for last week’s February vacation and welcomed back its celebrated Marr-lin swim team for practice for the first time in nearly a year.

“The young people are the ones who breathe life into our buildings. We are so excited to be able to have more youngsters back in our in-person programs safely,” said Brendan McDonald, vice president of programming at BGCD.  

“Our staff has worked hard to develop Covid-safe but fun programs and cannot wait for the days where we are back to 100 percent capacity and have all the club kids here in person.” 

Daily programming during school break included music lessons, dance, STEM activities, and games. Body + Fuel, a neighboring gym on Dorchester Avenue, offered fitness and arts and crafts classes to members. 

BGCD also hosted a Family Skate Night at Devine Rink on Morrissey Boulevard, as well as annual “Family Paint Night” and weekly family meditation events. This year BGCD also welcomed Spartan Elite, a program that offered members professional instruction during baseball and softball clinics. 

On Tues., Wed. and Thurs. evenings during Feb. vacation week, families were offered private movie screenings with 20-person capacity limits at AMC Theaters in Dorchester’s South Bay. 

Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester serves over 4,000 children between the ages of 2 months and 18 years each year. Members have access to more than 200 activities for $5 a year. During the school year, BGCD serves about 250 meals every weekday. For more information, visit bgcdorchester.org.