Boys & Girls Club Blog

December 16, 2024

When you donate to the Boys & Girls Club, you are doing more than just giving—YOU are changing lives! 

You are helping children learn, grow, and build confidence in their abilities. Last year, our Club introduced special spaces called Learning Centers, designed to provide kids with extra support in a calm, focused environment. These centers, developed with guidance from Oshkosh Area School District elementary school directors and led by our dedicated Academic Coordinator, Ms. Susan, have become a cornerstone of our mission to nurture young minds.

The Learning Centers are inviting spaces where children choose to spend their time. With one-on-one homework help, partner reading sessions, and individualized learning activities, these centers empower kids to set and achieve their goals. They provide a place for students to explore their potential, and the joy they feel when they reach milestones is truly inspiring. Let us share just a few of their incredible stories:

Emma G, Grade 2

Last year, Emma visited the Learning Center almost daily. Her mom initially reached out because Emma wasn’t excited about reading at home, especially compared to her older siblings, who had found great success using the Club’s Learning Center. With the support of Ms. Susan and dedicated leadership volunteers, Emma began attending regularly, and her skills quickly started to flourish.

Today, Emma is a book-loving young lady who not only enjoys reading but also helps others in the Learning Center. One memorable moment was when our Elf on the Shelf, Cocoa Frost, left a note for the kids. A fellow Club member struggled to read it, and Emma patiently helped them with the words, celebrating their success. “That small moment represented a huge success,” Ms. Susan shared, highlighting Emma’s growth and generosity.

Lillionna K, Grade 1

Lillionna joined the Boys & Girls Club during the Kindergarten split start and couldn’t wait to experience the Club after hearing about it from her older siblings. Since then, she has been a shining star in our Radford Learning Center and beyond. Lillionna loves partnering with Ms. Susan to strengthen her literacy and math skills, but her favorite activity is marking off books on her bookshelf goal sheet.

Children who visit the Learning Centers read daily and color in books on paper bookshelves to earn prizes. Lillionna’s enthusiasm for reading, especially the School of Monsters series, is infectious. Her determination and joy inspire her peers to engage with the Learning Center and achieve their own goals.

 Antonio G, Grade 4

For the past few years, Antonio has been a devoted participant in our Learning Center programs, particularly enjoying the STEM/literacy activities. His favorite series, The Quirkles, combines silly characters with exciting science concepts, sparking his imagination and love for learning. Antonio’s creativity shines as he brainstorms additional activities to enhance the Quirkles experience for others.

Starting in the Radford Learning Center with Ms. Susan, Antonio has since graduated to the Quest program, where he works with Ms. Emily. His mom proudly shares how much he loves the Learning Centers, a testament to the impact these spaces have had on his educational journey.

These stories are just a glimpse of the lives transformed by the Boys & Girls Club Learning Centers. When you donate, you are giving children like Emma, Lillionna, and Antonio the tools they need to succeed in school and life. Your support helps create a future where every child has the chance to thrive. 

Together, we can make a difference—one book, one goal, one child at a time. If you’d like to donate in support of Great Futures for children in our area, you can make a gift to the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh here.