Boys & Girls Club of Lake County News!

Research shows that young people who participate in structured youth development programs, like BGCLC, are more likely to demonstrate strong collaboration, decision‑making, and adaptability - skills employers identify as essential in today’s workforce.

At the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, youth begin building these competencies early through teamwork‑based activities, hands‑on experiences, and opportunities to lead and solve real‑world challenges, helping strengthen the future workforce in Lake County and beyond.

Creative Confidence on Display in Our 3rd Grade Classroom

This month, our 3rd graders took on a fun art project inspired by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. After learning about his expressive style and the way he used color, symbols, and words to tell stories, students created their own oil pastel pieces modeled after his approach.

They experimented with bright colors, strong lines, and layered images, adding personal details that made each artwork unique. We loved seeing each student’s individual rendering of the cat and how their creativity came through. The focus wasn’t on perfection - it was on creativity, confidence, and trying something new, giving every student the chance to share their ideas visually and see their voice reflected on paper.

Thank You, Ross Dress for Less!

Now through March 1, our partnership with Ross Dress for Less is helping support youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County. Donations at checkout fund after-school programs, mentorship, and enrichment, with Ross matching a portion of funds nationally.

Recently, some of our Club members visited a local Ross to thank staff and take photos, seeing firsthand how community support makes a difference. You can participate at any of these Lake County locations: Gurnee, Waukegan, Vernon Hills, and Round Lake Beach.

Stop by before March 1 to give - every gift helps provide opportunities and support for local youth.

Celebrating Girls & Women in Sports: Viking and North Club Youth Visit Lake Forest College

Girls from our Viking and North Club sites recently celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day with a visit to Lake Forest College. Experiences like this help young people develop healthy habits, build resilience, and strengthen the social and emotional skills they carry into school, extracurriculars, and everyday life.

Seeing strong female athletes lead and collaborate shows our youth that they can succeed in sports and other areas of life. For the girls from Viking and North Club, the day offered inspiration, sport skills development, and experiences that will encourage them to stay active, take on new challenges, and embrace opportunities with confidence.

National Girls & Women in Sports Day is more than a celebration - it’s a reminder that providing safe spaces, guidance, and encouragement can open doors for youth to grow, learn, and achieve their potential in every part of their lives.

BGCLC Staff Build Skills to Better Serve Lake County Youth

At the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, investing in youth goes hand in hand with investing in staff. Recently, our Chief Program Officer, Lindsay and Administrative & Membership Manager, Leticia, attended the My Club Hub Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, joining staff from across the country to build skills and connect with peers. My Club Hub is a comprehensive online platform that helps Boys & Girls Club staff manage programs, measure impact, and access professional development resources.

The three-day event included nearly 100 hands-on sessions and an open learning lab, giving staff tools to improve program planning, track outcomes, and enhance services for local youth. By supporting professional development, BGCLC ensures staff have the training they need to lead effectively and strengthen the programs that help Lake County youth learn, grow, and succeed.

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.

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