Beyond the Bell: Why After-School Programs Matter
After School programs do more than keep kids busy—they provide a safe, engaging space where youth can explore new interests, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. Across the nation, demand for these programs far exceeds availability, with nearly 25 million children missing out on after-school opportunities (After-School Alliance, 2022). But on Lopez, we’re committed to ensuring year-round enrichment for our youth.
Every year, we serve 50-60 youth in the After-School Programs and over 90 in one or more Summer Camps offering a variety of activities including music, reading and storytelling at the Library, arts and crafts, environmental projects, and the ever-popular Dungeons & Dragons Club. Now, thanks to community interest, we’ve launched a new STEM & Robotics Club, where students bring robots to life while sharpening their coding skills!
“Seeing what my kids are learning and how they are coming out of their shell, I realize how much I would have benefited from a program like this as a child. It’s a big help for our family—giving us time to work, care for younger siblings, and get dinner on the table in time,” shares one parent.
To ensure every child has access to quality enrichment, regular attendees of After-School programs get priority enrollment for Summer Camp. Mark your calendars: This year’s full-day Camp Huckleberry (K-4th grade) and Specialty Camps (5th-8th grade) will run from July 7 – August 15.
The Future of Youth Enrichment on Lopez
While we’re grateful to be funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, this funding will expire in two years.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical programs, LIFRC is supporting the Rally for the Rec campaign—an initiative to establish a Lopez Parks and Recreation District. This would provide stable funding to keep programs affordable, support living wages for staff, and maintain high-quality enrichment for our youth.
To learn more about how we can secure these opportunities for future generations, join us for a Town Hall on March 19th at 6:00 PM at Lopez Island School District.