By Mary Budke

As we bring another year to a close, I am reflecting on the countless moments — big and small — that have shaped the lives of young people across our community. At the Boys & Girls Clubs, our purpose remains clear: to help all youth, from preschool through high school graduation, reach their full potential. This year, that commitment was put into action every day in powerful and inspiring ways.

Across our three sites, in Sequim and Port Angeles, we serve more than 400 young people each day after school. Our members are searching for connections with peers, support from caring adults, and opportunities to have fun — and they find it. With an annual membership fee of $30 per year, and no cost for teens, our Clubs remain an accessible resource for every family. That is something we are extremely proud of.

One of the most important services we provide year-round is consistent access to healthy meals and snacks. This summer, through our free Summer Food Program, we served 25,225 USDA-approved meals and nutritious snacks across 11 sites in Sequim and Port Angeles, ensuring no children in our community went hungry while school was not in session.

For many families, this program is a critical lifeline. For our teens, it is also an opportunity: they gain real-world experience helping prepare and serve meals — valuable workforce readiness training that strengthens their confidence while developing lifelong skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

This year’s 10-week all-day summer camp was another unforgettable highlight. Affordable for families and accessible for all with annual membership from noon to 6 p.m., camp offered participants a chance to explore, create, and discover. From imaginative craft activities and hands-on science experiments to outdoor explorations through our Junior Rangers program, the summer was filled with adventure. Our field trips brought education and excitement to life, whether cheering on the Mariners in Seattle or spending an overnight immersed in nature at NatureBridge. These experiences broaden horizons, ignite curiosity, and create lifelong memories.

Our Back-to-School Fair in August ensured that hundreds of local students began the academic year prepared for success. By providing essential school supplies — from backpacks to notebooks and other classroom necessities — we helped ease the burden families often face and ensured that every child stepped into their first day with confidence.

This year also brought exciting innovation with the launch of Project L.A.N.E. (Lifestyle. Attitude. Nutrition. Exercise.), our new healthy lifestyle initiative. This program equips youth with the knowledge and habits they need to maintain physical wellness and emotional balance. From nutrition education to fun fitness activities, Project L.A.N.E. empowers young people to build healthy routines that can last a lifetime.

Throughout the year, our commitment to social-emotional growth and character development remained at the heart of what we do. Our small group mentoring programs for preteens and teens continued to make a meaningful impact.

“B Group,” designed for boys ages 10 and up, offered fun and engaging challenges that built leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills — all supported by trusted mentors. Meanwhile, “L Group” for girls 10 and older provided a nurturing space to build self-confidence, develop leadership qualities, and practice making healthy, positive choices.

We launched K Squad Circles — small-group sessions that helped students practice respectful communication. Guided by simple norms such as speaking and listening from the heart, using a talking piece to ensure one voice at a time, the circles created a safe space for honest dialogue. We explored topics like emotional regulation, anxiety, loss, and chronic illness, with the goal of supporting each child’s well-being. These programs help shape the leaders of tomorrow by building connection, resilience, and capability today.

And finally, one of the most significant milestones of the year was opening our third Club site at Roosevelt Elementary School in Port Angeles. This expansion was driven by community need, and we are honored to provide additional support for families. The new site ensures that even more children have access to enriching programs daily.

None of this work would be possible without the continued support of our community. To every donor, volunteer, partner, and advocate: thank you. Your generosity, belief in our mission, and commitment to the youth we serve makes all the difference. Together, we are shaping brighter futures and helping the next generation of leaders grow, thrive, and succeed.