New After-School Program Set To Launch Aug. 1 At Carver Recreation Center In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — The St. Mary’s County commissioners unanimously approved a lease agreement at the June 9 meeting allowing the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland to establish an after-school youth center at the Carver Recreation Center in Lexington Park, creating new educational and recreational opportunities for local children and families.

The agreement establishes a three-year lease beginning Aug. 1, 2026, with options for renewal that could extend the partnership for up to 15 years. Under the arrangement, the Boys & Girls Club will utilize five classrooms in the west wing of the Carver Recreation Center while contributing a portion of the building’s utility costs.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for county youth and families,” said Ray Bivens, director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks, while presenting the proposal to commissioners.

Expanding Opportunities At Carver

Bivens said the partnership complements ongoing investments at the Carver Recreation Center, including construction of a new Community Arts Center and Makerspace funded through a grant exceeding $500,000 in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and PaxSpace. The Boys & Girls Club has also secured $150,000 in state funding to outfit its new space.

The club’s after-school program is expected to serve up to 100 youth initially, with the facility having the potential to support more than 200 participants over time. Transportation arrangements have already been made with Park Hall Elementary School and Spring Ridge Middle School, allowing buses to transport students directly to the Carver location each school day.

“We can’t wait to open,” said Anna Hanzsche, chief operating officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland, who noted she will become the organization’s chief executive officer July 1. “I’ve talked to some of the schools in the community, and they’re all really excited too.”

What Programs Will Be Offered?

The Boys & Girls Club plans to offer a wide range of youth development programs designed to support students academically, socially and personally.

Plans for the facility include a dedicated STEM center, learning lab and art room funded through the organization’s recent state grant award.

Affordable Access for Families

Hanzsche told commissioners that membership will cost $30 annually, though financial assistance will be available for families unable to afford the fee.

“We never turn a child away if they cannot pay,” Hanzsche said.

The club will operate during the school year, opening on the first day of school and closing on the last day. Programs will run after school until 6 p.m. each weekday. Summer programming is still being finalized, with some club members expected to participate in county-operated recreation camps.

Benefits For County Programs

The partnership also includes benefits for county recreation programs. Bivens said county summer camps will have access to the Boys & Girls Club space and amenities, including the STEM lab and other educational resources.

Additionally, the lease agreement provides scholarship support for eligible Boys & Girls Club members attending county summer camps. For every 10 Boys & Girls Club participants enrolled in county camps, the organization will provide a staff member at its own expense to assist with camp operations after completing county training requirements.

Commissioners Voice Support

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the long-awaited partnership, noting that recreation programs already successfully operate from the Carver Recreation Center.

Following brief discussion, the commissioners unanimously approved the lease and authorized Commissioner President James R. Guy to sign all related documents.

The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland has served youth in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties for more than 25 years and currently reaches approximately 1,800 young people annually. The organization’s mission is to help all young people, especially those who need it most, reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Watch the full presentation below at 51:51.

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