Building for Kids Children’s Museum: An Amazing Opportunity for Growth

When most people think of children’s museums, they envision colorful play spaces, hands-on exhibits, and a fun outing space for young families. But what many don’t realize is that museums like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI, are also hubs for out-of-school time (OST) programming, providing enriching experiences for children beyond the school day.

"Building for Kids’ Explorer Camps include afterschool and summer programming at the museum." explained Beth Vanderloop, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Building for Kids. "We serve kindergarten through fourth grade during the school year and include 4K in the summer."

Building a Stronger Community: YMCA of the Chippewa Valley

Afterschool programs do more than just provide a safe space for children—they serve as training grounds for future educators, social workers, and community leaders. The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley exemplifies this by not only enriching children’s lives but also offering invaluable hands-on experience for University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) students who work in their programs.

During a recent visit to the YMCA’s afterschool program at Robbins Elementary School in Eau Claire, I witnessed firsthand how this program benefits both the children and the young adults who help run it.

Highlighting Innovation: The MAYDM STEM Program

Out-of-school time (OST) programs provide students with new learning opportunities that they might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. One such program that is making an impact in the Madison area is MAYDM, which stands for "Made by Them." This non-profit organization focuses on equipping girls and youth of color in grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Spooktacular Fun and STEM Learning at Kroc Community Center’s Family Fun Night

At the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, we believe in highlighting events that provide enriching and engaging experiences for children and youth outside of school hours. One such event was held on October 11th, at the Kroc Community Center in Green Bay, where families gathered for a Halloween-themed Family Fun Night that combined spooky fun with STEM learning.

A Hub for Community and Creativity

YMCA Youth in Government: Building Future Leaders

As the 2024 state and national elections approach, it is more important than ever to prepare our youth for active civic engagement. Afterschool programs like the Wisconsin YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) provide invaluable opportunities for students in grades 7-12 to understand and participate in government in a hands-on way that classrooms alone often cannot offer.

A Practical Approach to Civic Engagement
While civics and government classes play a vital role in education, the Youth in Government program takes learning to a whole new level. Jolene Gross, the statewide director of the program, explains:

Multi-Age Collaboration Shines at UWSP Marshfield Summer Theatre Camp

As summer winds down, the Laird Theater in Marshfield is buzzing with excitement. This year marks the 18th annual UW-Stevens Point Theatre Camp, a beloved tradition for young performers in the community. During the summer, this camp provides a unique opportunity for participants aged 9 to 18 to immerse themselves in the world of theater, with this year's production being the enchanting "Frozen."

Celebrating Youth Creativity at the Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase

The Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase on May 30th at Turner Hall was a lively celebration of young talent and creativity in the Milwaukee community. Organized by Leighton Cooper, the Recreation Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the event showcased the dedication and hard work of youth in the arts.

"The Art Showcase is our premier recreation art show," Leighton Cooper explained. "It gives us a chance to highlight the talent, creativity, and effort our young people have put into their art. This event brings together all our community arts partners from across the city. We have groups involved in visual arts, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, and literature. The showcase allows young people to take the stage, display their talent, and show the community the amazing work we're doing to support arts enrichment and education in the city."

Art and the Human Experience

Meet Craig Knitt, Creative Arts Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay Lakes Region in Northeastern Wisconsin. Craig specializes in filmmaking and has had youth create, act in, and produce their own films. According to Craig, art and creation are a “...healthy and positive experience because that process is so in tune with what it is to be human…” Listen to a deep dive into art, creating, and the impact the artistic experience can have on youth in this episode of the Beyond the Bell with WOSTA podcast.