As we are preparing to send our children back to school this week, I find myself reflecting on an exceptional summer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula. For 10 weeks, our Clubs in Sequim and Port Angeles were filled with the joyful sounds of laughter, learning, and discovery.
Summer break can sometimes be a vulnerable time for young people. With schools closed, many kids lose access to academic support, physical activity, and even regular meals. That’s why our summer program is so much more than just a place to go, it’s a place to grow.
Once again, our all-day summer camps provided a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for hundreds of local youths ages 6-18. Through a vibrant mix of fun art projects, hands-on STEM experiments, lively outdoor games, and exciting field trips, our members stayed curious, active, and connected to their peers and community.
Whether they were constructing miniature race car tracks during an engineering-based activity or exploring the wonders of tide pools on a Junior Rangers field trip, our young people were constantly learning. But more than that, they were forming friendships, strengthening social skills, and building memories that will last a lifetime.
Our dedicated staff team goes above and beyond every day to ensure that each child feels seen, heard, and supported. Their creativity, energy, and passion create a space where kids can thrive outside the traditional classroom.
As fall arrives, we turn our attention to the next school year, a time of new beginnings, challenges, and opportunities. For some of our youngest Club members, this time of the year marks their very first day of kindergarten after completing our enriching preschool program. Others will make the leap from elementary to middle school, the important step from middle to high school, and for a few, the turning point from high school graduation to college or the workforce.
Each transition brings its own set of hopes, fears and possibilities — and through it all, the staff at our Clubs remain a steady source of encouragement and guidance for every child on their educational journey.
At each stage, our members know the Boys & Girls Club is here for them. After school, when many kids are mostly in need of care and a helping hand, our doors are open. We provide support by focusing on three core areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership. These pillars guide every program we offer — from homework help and literacy enrichment to fun group activities and wellness education.
Leadership clubs, community service projects and mentoring opportunities allow our youth to build confidence, make positive choices, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our goal is to equip kids not just to succeed in school, but to lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Good nutrition also plays a crucial role in that success. Every day, we serve wholesome, USDA-approved meals and snacks to ensure our members are fueled to learn and grow. For many families, our healthy meal program is a critical service that eases the burden of daily food insecurity and provides peace of mind.
And we are committed to remaining accessible to every child. Our annual membership is just $30 per year, a modest fee that opens the door to a world of opportunities. Scholarships are available for those who need them and for teens, membership is entirely free year-round. We believe the cost should never be a barrier to attending our Clubs.
Our Boys & Girls Clubs play a vital role in this community. Our staff, volunteers, and partners make our programs possible. Every drawing taped to the Club’s walls, every puzzle solved, every new friendship made this summer is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to invest in its youth.
As we look ahead to fall, let’s continue to work together to give our children the tools they need to succeed — in school and in life. The future of the Olympic Peninsula is walking through the doors of our Clubs every day. Our team is ready to meet them with open arms, offering the support they deserve.
As another new school year begins, thank you for continuing to show up for our kids — your support today is helping shape a stronger, brighter future for our entire community.
