Summer is just around the corner, and that means kids around the Region will be home from school searching for something to do. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is ready to step in with its Summer Camp programming, which will keep children busy and learning during parents’ working hours.
Held at almost every Club in the Region, summer camp with Boys & Girls Clubs brings a steady array of activities and programming geared to make sure kids both learn and have fun whenever their parents drop them off for the day.
“Our goal is to make it a fun time, while also covering the summer learning loss that comes with school being out,” said Stephanie Letic, director of marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. “We have the kids do educational programming without them realizing that it’s educational.”
Club schedules for this summer are already planned out. Summer Camp participants are set to enjoy field trips to museums, building robots, doing experiments outdoors, and other activities both in Clubs and out in the community.
Letic noted a few highlights on the calendar: a trip to the children’s museum, a journey through Bluespring Caverns, a visit to Washington Park Zoo, and an exploration of the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, as well as small trips to the bowling alley, movie theaters, and even a RailCats baseball game.
“Parents enjoy sending their kids here because those kids have a blast,” she said. “They’re telling their parents what they did, they’re excited to show off their projects and experiments—it’s just great feedback all around.”
Letic noted that one of the more unique things about Summer Camp with Boys & Girls Clubs is that the children are not stuck into narrow routines. Every day is varied with activities ranging from science to art.
“Members are allowed to explore different areas of the club,” she said. “They get to do art, STEM, or go to the gym. We have dedicated spaces for all of these programs, and children aren’t in the same room every day. They get to rotate and experience so many different things.”
Club hours vary some, but they are generally open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., a range that ensures the gap in childcare caused by school ending is covered.
“We want to have a large time frame covered so that any family can use the club,” Letic said. “It’s at affordable rates, and we also offer several scholarships and discounts so that membership and summer camp can be affordable for families.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana aims to keep membership & summer camp costs low, to ensure that as many families as possible are able to take advantage of the opportunity.
“A lot of families are shocked at first to find out that our pricing is so affordable,” Letic said. “People don’t realize just how much they get with that cost. Most clubs offer meals, free field trips, and paid field trips that aren’t expensive.”
There are a number of reduced-cost or free memberships available as well. Kindergarten Club members receive half-price memberships, while foster families, Anthem Medicaid card holders, and military families receive free memberships. School employees for any system served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana also receive discounts.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is also hiring—and the children of any employee can attend summer camp for free on days the parent works.
“If you’re here working with us, there’s no daily cost,” Letic said. “They can be there with you while you’re earning your income and saving on childcare costs.”
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and their summer programming, visit bgcgreaternwi.org or stop by your local Club.
“We’re proud to show off all of our Clubs,” Letic said. “If you’re curious and need more information before you sign up, just stop by and talk to our staff members. They’re happy to show you what our Clubs are all about.”
