Staying Active During the Pandemic
Coach Abby reports from a pickleball session on a crisp October day!
A student reflects on our reopening: "This fall, SquashWise chose to accommodate all of their members. They gave everyone the option to choose between in-person or virtual sessions. I really liked that I had the opportunity to choose what electives I could take. I am always looking forward to 'A Story to Tell' (creative writing club) and Racquet Sports. And don't worry! The staff is following strict safety measures for in-person programming." -Abisola, 10th grade
Our students, coaches, and volunteers are excited to be back together at our outdoor clubs that allow for both physical distancing and plenty of fun. While our sports and fitness clubs meet outdoors, students are also meeting online for tutoring sessions, college and career guidance and engaging academic electives. Click the video above to hear our Executive Director, Abby Markoe, report from our Racquet Sports Club at Druid Hill Park!

So far in our fall program, we are proud to report:
  • 76 after-school participants are enrolled in grades 6-12
  • 105 hours of academic development and enrichment, including tutoring, creative writing, and our student leadership council
  • 60 hours of sports and fitness activities, including pickleball, hiking, and running
  • 22 hours of support and wellness activities, including small group advisory sessions and our “lunch bunch” social hour
  • Close to an 80% attendance rate across our programs!

Thanks to the support of our community, we have been able to provide continuous programming since COVID-19 shut things down in March. We are dedicated to keeping everyone healthy and safe during the pandemic, and we are watching trends closely to make our future plans. To support our virtual and in-person programming, follow this link or click "Donate Today" below.
We're having fun during our afterschool programs at Druid Hill Park!
Preparing for the Future in a Changing World
(Student photo taken pre-COVID)
COVID-19 has presented us all with many challenges. We have been working hard with our Junior and Senior students to adapt to the uncertainty that now comes alongside post-secondary planning. Our students have been working with us to research colleges, develop personal statements, develop resumes and prepare for the new realities of college and the working world. While the future isn’t certain, our students will be prepared for anything that will come their way.
Highlighting Kamia, a SquashWise Senior
Kamia came in strong this fall and attends all of our Senior Seminars completely prepared. She wants to pursue a career in Sign Language interpretation, so she is actively researching ASL programs!
Our Teammate of the Month:
Thelma
Thelma and teammates playing pickleball at Druid Hill Park!
Thelma participates actively in Racquet Sports Club, Student Leadership Council, yoga, and our creative writing club, 'A Story to Tell.' She has solid attendance, great energy, and brings creativity to the group. Her passion for writing inspires others to share at 'A Story to Tell.' When asked to reflect on her experience with SquashWise, she said that ours is "The best program I've been to yet!"
We Rely on Your Support, Now More Than Ever
Our donors make it possible for SquashWise to continue the consistent, caring connection that is so essential during these times. Our innovative fall program brings huge smiles to our faces because we actually get to see each other in person, as well as on the screen!

But new programs come with new expenses. Would you consider a gift to launch us through this changed school year? We need your support to pivot into new activities like pickleball, speedminton and other outdoor fitness and wellness activities, along with continuing our virtual programs with materials for students to use at home.
A copy of the current financial statement of Baltimore SquashWise, Inc. is available by request to: 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Ste. 103, Baltimore, MD 21211; [email protected]; or by calling 443-682-7126. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.