Spring is always a busy month, but one we enjoy. Longer days, warmer weather and things blooming all around us. Across our Clubs, we see this same kind of growth every day in the youth we serve.

A big area we are growing is in our Workforce Readiness addition. A space that will create hands-on opportunities for youth to explore many career areas and build confidence in life skills.

This month, we were proud to celebrate our Wall of Fame event. A night that is always special to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on our organization. This night is always a great reminder about how lucky we are to have such wonderful individuals that believe in our mission.

Finally, we're gearing up for a summer full of events. Our annual Golf Classic event, Workforce Center opening, and continuing to celebrate our 60th anniversary. On the programming side, our staff has been busy planning field trips to make the summer extra special for our Club kids.

Thank you for being part of our community. Your support helps make all that we do possible and we're grateful to have you alongside.

Your gift helps us continue to inspire and empower all kids

WE'RE HIRING

If you know someone looking for a meaningful summer opportunity, encourage them to apply with us! Our part-time staff play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for youth—building connections, leading activities, and serving as positive role models each day.

Additional perks include:

• Work days spent outside at parks / pools
• Field trips
• Staying active
• Flexible scheduling
• No evenings
• No required weekends

This is a great fit for students, educators, or anyone seeking impactful part-time work. Help us spread the word and connect great people with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our Club kids!

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

Each month we work with the Holmen Transportation Department and school district to encourage positive behaviors during the bus ride from each of the elementary schools to the BGC. This past month we had a competition to see what elementary school would be the first to earn 20 thumbs up from their bus driver. The Evergreen busses won the challenge and won the chance to pie Jackie in the face.

We hosted a March Madness teen night at our Terry Erickson Club for teens for teens from across all of our Clubs to get together and hangout, play games, and enjoy pizza together.

This month Club members got a few hands-on lessons in the power of saving. From decorating their own piggy banks, reading up on what things cost, and sharing what they’re saving for. Moments like these help build lifelong skill, showing our kids that even small steps today can lead to big opportunities tomorrow.

WORKFORCE READINESS CENTER

This spring, we’ve had the chance to begin bringing our Workforce Center to life through a soft rollout of programs and experiences. From 4th–5th grade enrichment opportunities in STEM, coding, and financial literacy to teen career exploration field trips and hands-on “Explore” programs spanning healthcare, construction, engineering, and more, we’ve already engaged over 150 youth in meaningful ways. We’ve also started introducing college visits, helping teens envision what’s next. It’s been an exciting first step, and we’re looking forward to officially opening our doors in June and expanding these opportunities even further!

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

April Mental Health Initiative

In April, Youth & Family Services focused on helping Boys & Girls Club members build a growth mindset which is the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through practice, effort, and learning over time. Members were encouraged to try new things, embrace challenges, and learn through repeated effort.

Over 100 members stepped outside their comfort zones to try something new, even when it felt challenging by exploring activities like pickleball, pasta making, yoga, gardening, mural painting, chess, and more. Through these experiences, members strengthened confidence, resilience, and a willingness to keep growing.

Teens also completed a Growth Mindset Scale to help us better understand how they view learning and personal growth. Through these experiences, members were reminded that skills take time, persistence, and courage to develop and that growth happens when we keep trying.

CLUB ATHLETICS

Spring Volleyball

Our spring volleyball season is winding down. We had 224 girls that participated this spring. Thank you to our partnerships with La Crescent, Central, Logan and Aquinas schools for making our season not only successful but possible.

Little Hitters Registration

There is still time to sign up for Little Hitters (ages 4-8).

SAVE THE DATE

Golf Classic

Join us for our annual Golf Classic on Monday, June 1st at the Golf Club at Cedar Creek.

Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Tore, tore.washa@bgclax.org

WALL OF FAME

We honored our Wall of Fame inductees and community award winners alongside the friends, family, and supporters who fuel our mission every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and congratulations to our award recipients!

Wall of Fame Inductees: Megan Binsfeld & Dirk Swanson

Corporate Award: Inland

Distinguished Service Award: Roger Thornton

Adult & Youth Award: Riverfest Commodore Foundation Kids in Need Fund

President's Award: Brett Gullicksrud

www.bgclax.org