MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson wrapped up one of its busiest summers yet, serving nearly 600 young people while preparing for another school year of after-school programming, new academic support initiatives and continued efforts to address the community's childcare needs.
Executive Director Lance Patterson said the organization registered 590 students from first grade through high school during its summer program, with an average of 318 children attending daily.
Patterson said the club's goal each summer is to keep children active, engaged and learning. In addition to educational activities, participants took part in weekly field trips to water parks, paintball outings and other destinations throughout central Kansas.
The demand for services continues to grow. Thanks to fundraising efforts during the organization's Youth of the Year campaign, the club added 45 additional summer slots at its Avenue A location. Even with the expansion, another 40 children remained on the waiting list. Patterson credited USD 308 for allowing the organization to use additional space but said more capacity is still needed.
While many people think of childcare as serving preschool-aged children, Patterson said the Boys & Girls Clubs fills an important gap for school-age youth by providing a safe, structured environment after school while helping prevent summer learning loss through its "Brain Gain" academic enrichment program.
The organization also expanded opportunities for teenagers through its work-based learning program. This summer, 37 students participated in paid job experiences with community partners including USD 308 Food Service, the Hutchinson Zoo, Express Employment, the YMCA and United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. Students can earn up to $1,000 while developing workplace skills and gaining valuable employment experience.
As families prepare for the new school year, Patterson said enrollment is filling quickly for the club's elementary program at its Avenue A site. The school-year program is offered at no cost through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, with transportation provided from every USD 308 elementary school. Students outside the district may also participate if families provide transportation.
The club is also launching a new middle school initiative called "Locked In" at Hutchinson Middle School 7. The program will provide homework assistance, mentorship and guidance to help students adjust to middle school while also offering transportation so participants can attend extracurricular activities and continue participating in Boys & Girls Club programs.
Despite the positive momentum, Patterson said the organization faces a financial challenge after one of its 21st Century Community Learning Center grants was not renewed. The lost funding, approximately $125,000, primarily supported programming for seventh- and eighth-grade students. Patterson said replacing those dollars will make annual fundraising even more critical this year.