Boys and Girls Club summer program builds “Wonderful Rapids” for local youth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – This summer, the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area is bringing energy, learning and community spirit to more than 300 local youth each day through its 10-week summer program. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Club provides a safe, engaging and enriching environment where youth can learn, grow, build friendships and create lifelong memories.
Centered around this year’s theme, “Wonderful Rapids,” the program celebrates the people, industries, traditions and community pride that make Wisconsin Rapids special. From agriculture and local businesses to outdoor recreation and workforce development, youth are discovering the many ways they can connect to and shape the future of their community. Throughout the summer, Club members participate in hands-on activities, themed learning experiences, arts and science projects, leadership opportunities and community adventures. Grade groups proudly represent local industries and Wisconsin favorites with fun team names such as the Cranberry Crushers, Tator Tots, Cheese Curds, Honey Bees, Blizzards, the Maples, S’mores, Sunny Sweet Corn and teen group “Not Your Average Cheeseheads.”
But summer at the Club is about much more than fun. The Boys and Girls Club continues to focus on academic support even during the summer months through Brain Gain enrichment activities designed to keep youth learning, exploring and preventing summer learning loss. Members engage in reading, STEM activities, problem-solving, creative expression and interactive educational experiences that help prepare them for success when school begins again. Health and wellbeing are also a major focus of the summer program. The Club provides healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks daily while helping youth build healthy habits, manage stress, strengthen friendships and develop positive coping skills. Staff members work intentionally to create meaningful relationships and supportive connections that help every child feel safe, valued and included.
“Our goal is to create experiences that help youth grow socially, emotionally and academically while having fun and feeling connected,” WR Center Director, Cassie Luna said. “Every child deserves a safe place where they can belong and build confidence for the future.”
The Club’s impact extends beyond its walls through weekly field trips and community partnerships. Youth will visit the Wisconsin Rapids Community Zoo, Aquatic Center, local parks, lakes, fishing experiences, Rafters baseball games, the Farmers Market and other community destinations throughout the summer. Members are also gaining workforce development and customer service skills through helping at the Milltown booth and participating in hands-on community engagement opportunities.

Behind the scenes, staff development plays an important role in creating a high quality experience for youth for building character and Leadership opportunities. Club staff continue training throughout the summer in areas such as safe play, communication strategies, positive transitions, community-building activities, youth engagement and relationship development to ensure every child receives support and encouragement.
The success of the Boys and Girls Club summer program is made possible through strong community support. Community involvement helps provide meals, field trips, educational opportunities, safe spaces, caring mentors and enriching experiences for hundreds of children each day.
The Club’s mission remains focused on building great futures by creating “a community where every child builds connections and experiences that help them grow, succeed and lead.” As summer continues, the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area invites community members to become part of that mission by volunteering, partnering, donating or simply learning more about the impact being made every day for local youth.
To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area, visit www.bgcwra.org or contact CEO Jen Allen at jallen@bgcwra.org to schedule a tour and experience “Wonderful Rapids” in action.
About the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area
The Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area mission is to inspire and empower youth to realize their full potential for great futures.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area provides a safe and supportive environment for youth and teens ages 6-18, offering programs that inspire health and wellbeing, character and leadership, academic success and life and workforce readiness. Serving the Wisconsin Rapids area, including Nekoosa and Port Edwards, the Club offers Jumpstart morning programs, after-school programs, summer activities and no-school day options to meet the needs of local families. With a focus on academic support, personal growth and mentorship, the Club empowers young people by providing enriching experiences, opportunities and positive role models, helping them build a strong foundation for a great future.