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Every afternoon at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake County, our young people receive a healthy, warm evening meal that helps power the rest of their day.
These dinners ensure kids have the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow while spending time in a safe and supportive environment. For many families, the meals served at the Club also help stretch household grocery budgets - making the Club not just a place for opportunity and connection, but a meaningful source of support for the whole family.
We are honored that this important work was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune, highlighting how the Club helps young people develop and why access to nutritious meals matters for our community.
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Powering Curiosity through Hands-On STEAM
Incorporating STEAM - science, technology, engineering, art, and math - into daily programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County helps bring learning to life in meaningful ways. Through hands-on activities, members explore, create, and problem-solve while building skills that support their growth both in and out of the classroom.
Recently, youth worked on two projects: levitating lamps and salinity gradient power generation kits. As they built their lamps, members explored magnetism and balance while creating something uniquely their own. The energy project introduced them to how differences in salt levels can generate power, sparking curiosity about real-world solutions and innovation.
These experiences do more than teach concepts - they help youth discover their potential. By making STEAM a regular part of programming, BGCLC is creating opportunities for members to build confidence, think creatively, and explore scientific concepts.
| | Springtime Fun: Building Rainbows to Celebrate the Season | | |
With the arrival of spring, Club members welcomed the season with a hands-on activity centered around one of its most recognizable symbols - rainbows.
Youth created edible rainbow structures using Fruit Loops, marshmallows, and pipe cleaners, combining creativity with skill-building. The activity began with a group discussion about what rainbows are, how they form, and when they typically appear. Members then participated in a brief color recognition game to reinforce sequencing before building their own rainbows by carefully threading cereal onto pipe cleaners in the correct order.
Beyond being fun and tasty, the project supported four key areas of development: color recognition, sequencing, fine motor skills, and following directions, all within a collaborative and encouraging environment.
At BGCLC, activities like this are designed to be more than entertainment - they build curiosity, strengthen foundational skills, and create meaningful moments that keep kids engaged and connected to the Club.
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Our recent March Madness basketball game night brought incredible energy and an amazing turnout, with nearly 175 people coming together to cheer, compete, and enjoy the evening.
Four teams - made up of both staff and youth - took to the court, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. Congratulations to the Black Team on their well-earned win!
Beyond the game, the night was made even better by three concession stands with homemade burgers, chili hotdogs, and walking tacos prepared by BGCLC Chef Rob and his team, which kept everyone fueled throughout the games.
The evening was a true team effort and a strong example of how these events bring our Club community together in a meaningful way.
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Summer Programming at BGCLC!
Summer 2026 at BGCLC will provide a safe, structured, and engaging experience for youth across four convenient locations: Viking Middle School, Genesee, Washington Elementary, and Learn 10.
Each day is designed to balance fun with continued learning. Members will enjoy weekly swimming, fun field trips, and a variety of educational activities that help keep minds active and prevent summer learning loss.
BGCLC also ensures that every child is supported with free breakfast, lunch, and a daily snack - providing consistent access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. More than just a place to spend the day, BGCLC’s summer program keeps youth active, connected, and supported all summer long.
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Spend Your Summer
Making an Impact!
Make a difference this summer with the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County! We’re hiring mentors and youth development staff at $18–$21/hour, offering a hands-on opportunity to support youth in building confidence, learning new skills, and discovering their potential.
Whether you’re a college student, educator, or simply someone passionate about making an impact, your time with us will help more than 1,000 local youth thrive.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a team that inspires, motivates, and empowers.
| | Membership opens the door to new experiences, lasting friendships, and opportunities to shine. Join a community that empowers every child to reach their full potential. | | Support local youth with a gift that fuels mentorship, academic success, and healthy futures. Every dollar opens doors for kids in Lake County. Give today and make a difference. | | Give your time, change a life. Volunteer with Boys & Girls Club of Lake County and help kids learn, grow, and build confidence. Your presence makes a real impact. | | | | |
