What a summer! Thanks to you!
Hikes and rock climbing.
Guitar and drum lessons.
Bowling and movie nights.
Day and overnight camps.
It’s been a busy, crazy and jam-packed summer for Bright Futures for Youth.
Almost 400 young people – from sixth-grade girls entering The Friendship Club to kids who just needed a safe and supervised place to go at the NEO Youth Center – participated in Bright Futures for Youth programs this summer.
Yep, 400 kids who weren’t bored, didn’t get into trouble hanging out downtown or stare at a screen for hours at a time.
Instead, we kept them busy and learning, from art classes to skills-building workshops.
They explored passions – like making jewelry to playing the guitar – and experienced the outdoors, from river rafting to hitting nearby trails. We even had a workshop on how to find a job.
All because of you. Our supporters know that being a kid – and the challenges that come with it – don’t end during the summer. Thank you.
Just a few figures of how your support was put to work:
- More than 185 young people participated in events at the NEO Youth Center, where many of the activities, classes and workshops were held. They were able to enjoy healthy meals in the café and play cards, board games and videogames in the space. Many also enjoyed the new backyard, where construction of a pickleball court is moving forward (we’re still looking for some supporters to help offset the cost of the project).
- About 60 girls, from sixth graders to incoming high school seniors, attended Friendship Club events. Many of the girls attended day or overnight camps, where they paddled kayaks in the lake to learning the art (and fun) of making soap.
- Almost 60 kids attended the annual NEO GREAT Camp, two, weeklong camps with numerous activities and hands-on workshops in partnership with local law enforcement.
- Unfortunately, homelessness and hunger are an ongoing problem, especially during the summer. The SAFE program helped 65 young people over the past few months. The program assists young people experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have access to services – such as counseling and health care – and works to find them safe housing.
- Again, thank you for the ongoing support and helping hundreds of kids experience a busy, educational and fun-filled summer.
In their words …
What was the best part of The Friendship Club summer camp?
Friendship Club girls explore their creative side with their version of Sofia the First, the theme song from the animated series.