Last Thursday, 8200 Northumberland Highway was packed with people and positive energy as the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck (BGCNN) celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Northumberland Clubhouse.

Renovating the Heathsville facility is phase one of a $4.4 million Building Great Futures Capital Campaign.

The freshly designed clubhouse is filled with natural light, bright colors, and open space layouts. Club members now have a new STEM lab, a life skills demonstration kitchen, dedicated learning centers, and fenced outdoor play and social areas that include a patio.

There’s a fresh Teen Club, which BGCNN said is designed to support academic growth, creativity, and healthy social development. And in addition to a conference room, the facility includes a larger meeting room that will be accessible to outside groups.

“With this first phase, we’re opening a bright, modern Clubhouse that gives youth and teens the high quality programs they deserve — something our families have been waiting for with great hope,” said Shawn Lamb, Northumberland Campaign Chair of the Building Great Futures Capital Campaign.

Keeping the momentum going, BGCNN plans to begin construction on Phase Two this summer, bringing a new building to the campus that will connect to the existing facility via a breezeway.

The new facility will include expanded teen and youth centers, dedicated art and music rooms, and a 9,000 square foot gymnasium and multi purpose space as well as a new, larger outdoor athletic space.