Bethel Island, CA nonprofit supporting local children and families
Community programs are open to Bethel Island children and families.
PROGRAMS
Programs for children and families across Bethel Island.
BICS programs support the educational and emotional enrichment of youth residents on Bethel Island, Sandmound Blvd, Dutch Slough, and Wells Road.
On this page
1
Event
Christmas Party and community dates.
2
Education
Scholarships, laptops, tutoring, school supplies, and student support.
3
Safety
Water Safety and Life Jackets.
4
Measure X Recreation Program & Reimbursement
Reimbursement programs and recreation opportunities for local youth.
Current Programs
BICS programs support children and families through school readiness, water safety, scholarships, youth activities, and community celebrations. Each program grows through local volunteers, partnerships, and the shared care of the Bethel Island community.
Programs in Detail
Each December, BICS hosts a Christmas Party at Scout Hall on Bethel Island where all children receive a new warm coat and wrapped gift for the holiday season. Santa pictures, crafts and pizza are all part of this special community event. The program has grown substantially: from serving thirty-five children in 2005 to providing toys and coats to over 350 youth in 2025. This years party will be held December 15, 2026 from 4-7pm. Sign up required. Please complete our form.
Annual Christmas Party
College/Trade Tuition Scholarships
Beginning in 2022, BICS established a scholarship program, granting awards to graduating seniors based on merit, need, and community service. The program now supports up to three deserving students each year. These scholarship recipients also attend the Christmas party to help make the Juniors and Seniors attending the party aware of the scholarship and provide mentorship on the college experience. This is awarded in April of each year and applications are due March 1st annually.
Back to School Supply Giveaway
All school age children who are permanent residents of Bethel Island or Sandmound Rd, Dutch Slough Rd or Wells Road are eligible to receive a new backpack annually filled with needed school supplies for their grade. This is done annually between the 2nd and third week of July in the Bethel Island community park. Exact date can be found on our Facebook page and updated here. Past attendees of our annual holiday party will get email notification of this event if the parents have provided a contact email. Local school staff will be on site as well.
Weekly Tutoring
In 2024, BICS launched a free weekly tutoring program at Scout Hall to support the academic success of students in grades 3–12. The program also provides internet access for students who may not have access at home.
Thanks to local grants, we have been able to expand the program and offer additional tutoring hours with a retired teacher every Wednesday from 2–5 p.m.
Wednesday Schedule
2-3 pm 3- 8th grade
3-4 pm Math only
4-5pm High School
Recreation Reimbursement Programs
With support from a Measure X grant in 2025, BICS reimburses families who enroll their children in physical activity programs such as dance, football, and basketball. We will pay valid resident and receipt reimbursements until the funds for the year are used up. New reimbursements will be paid for the time period and not for prior times.
"Get Outside" Bicycle Program
With support from a Measure X grant in 2025, BICS distributes up to 20 new bicycles with safety helmets annually to local youth. Sign-ups are accepted year-round. Distributions occur twice a year, and once current funds are depleted, eligible registered youth will be rolled over to receive their bicycle in the next distribution cycle.
Water Safety & Life Jackets
Funded in part through Measure X funds allocated to BICS through the Contra Costa County local supervisors office, Bethel Island's Water Safety Program stocks the local life jacket station, provides signage for life jacket safety and reimburses youth residents for swim lessons or lifeguard training. This money is allocated and reimbursement are paid out twice annually until all funds have been allocated.