July Newsletter

CEO Letter

It’s hard to believe this week marks the end of summer at BGCLC and our largest program in history! Where did the time go?!? It has been an incredibly busy one with more field trips than ever before and the continued expansion of Summer of Discovery. We’ll be celebrating with youth graduation at our Fort Collins, Wellington, and Loveland Clubs this year!

Last week, I had the opportunity to join our Summer of Discovery program during the culmination of Entrepreneurship Week and their very own BGCLC Shark Tank. Individual students and teams researched and created new product prototypes and pitched them to the Sharks (our volunteers). During their preparation for the presentations, youth learned about product market, profit margin, and various ways to sell their new ideas. It was hard not to be impressed by the creativity of Lumie, the solar-powered, glow in the dark midnight snack bag, or the Sibling Armor, complete with a helmet camera to show Mom & Dad who actually started the fight. What was more impressive was the fact that so many of the project ideas were rooted in community support, many of them entirely nonprofit or designating part of their sales to important causes like homelessness and food insecurity.

The programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County are engaging young people in opportunities to learn and grow, all while making new friends, visiting new places, and developing a sense of self that will carry them through these important years of development. Our Club staff will take the next two weeks to recharge, train new team members, and prepare for the upcoming school year. They deserve a huge round of applause and our endless gratitude for the incredible and sometimes challenging work.

We simply could not continue to grow our services and create new, innovative programming for youth without the ongoing support of our community and the many donors that choose to invest in BGCLC. Thank you for continuing to prioritize our program and our kids in your annual giving. Great futures truly do start here!

With gratitude,

Chief Executive Officer

Youth Learn Important Financial Literacy Skills

Thanks to a partnership with Canvas Credit Union, our Summer of Discovery participants had the opportunity to explore various topics in financial literacy all summer long. This free, 6-week program provided lessons in saving money, understanding insurance, the importance of a budget, and more!

Participants who attended 5 sessions will graduate from the program at the end of the summer. Upon graduation, Wellington and Fort Collins Club youth will have the chance to earn high school credit.

“I learned to be smart with my money by looking at what is better for me,” one youth participant said.

Other lessons include credit scores, investing, and money personalities. The program also included simulations and games. According to Nancy Paton, Sr. Community Involvement Specialist at Canvas Credit Union, lack of access to financial education impacts individuals, families, and communities. She hopes youth learn the important part money management plays in achieving their goals.

“Not everyone discusses financial actions with young people, so every opportunity we have to share with youth will improve their future and ours.” Paton said.

Want to support programming like Summer of Discovery? Make a one-time or recurring gift here!

Upcoming Event: Fore the Kids Golf Classic

Monday, September 9, 2024

12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

Harmony Golf Club

4175 Club Drive, Timnath, CO 80547

Mark your calendars!

The Fore the Kids Golf Classic, our annual fundraising golf tournament, will be held September 9, 2024, at Harmony Golf Club. This is the perfect day of competition and networking, including a shopping experience, course games, an award banquet, and more!

Foursomes and limited sponsorships are still available! Please contact our Development Manager, Caitlin Carter, at ccarter@bgclarimer.org for more information.

Board Highlight: Meet Nicole Walusis!

Nicole Walusis is an Executive Vice President at FirstBank, and a highly active member of the community. She currently serves as the Board President for Book Trust (Northern Colorado segment). She’s a board member for Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County and the Larimer County Food Bank.

Why did you become a board member?

I am passionate about supporting youth development and ensuring all children have access to opportunities for growth, education, and a supportive community environment.

What do you like the most about serving on the Board of Directors?

I love the opportunity to contribute directly to the strategic direction and impact of an organization that is deeply committed to improving the lives of children in our community!

Tell me about a memory or story that sticks out to you while serving on the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Directors.

Watching our 2024 Youth of the Year overcome his fear of public speaking, find himself, and grow personally was my favorite memory so far.

News & Announcements

School Year Registration is OPEN!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County provides a safe, fun, and affordable place for kids to go during out-of-school hours.

Our programs include unique opportunities for academic enrichment, art & music education, social-emotional learning, fitness & athletics, social recreation, and more.

Are you interested in joining a Club? Find a Club near you on our website!

1st Annual Fort Collins Duck Race For Charity!

Saturday, September 7

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

1599 City Park Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Join Fort Collins Foothills Rotary Club for this day of fun! Adopt a duck and watch it race for your chosen beneficiary organization. For every duck adoption, 80% of the proceeds will go directly to your chosen organization.

Please consider adopting a duck for Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County!

Neighbor2Neighbor New Financial Coaching Services

To address a growing gap in providing financial education and advising in Northern Colorado, Neighbor 2 Neighbor is offering financial coaching services! Folks do not need to be accessing other N2N services to take advantage of budgeting, credit repair, or other coaching services.

Services are available FREE of charge to all residents of Larimer County, and are available in English and Spanish.

See more details here!