Whether your youngster’s a budding Albert Einstein, a Jane Goodall in the making, or perhaps aspires to be the next Susan B. Anthony, encourage that spark with a club right up their alley! Each of these programs is designed to help kids discover or further explore their interests with activities that nourish their minds and bodies, and set them up for a lifetime of success, no matter where the road leads them.
Clubs that inspire good citizenship
The 4-H program, established in 1902, offers opportunities for members ages 5 and up to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and take part in community service activities, with a goal of inspiring compassion, hard work, and dedication. 4-H open enrollment takes place each fall. To learn more or find a club near you visit the sites for Larimer County or Weld County.
Since 1910, Scouting America has led over 130 million youth in improving their communities while developing traits such as loyalty, bravery, courtesy, and helpfulness. Kids ages 5 and up can take part in activities such as hiking, camping, and wilderness survival, as well as participating in community service projects culminating in an independent Eagle Scout project to better their community. Learn more or to join a local club.
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., founded in 1912, provides girls ages 5 and up with opportunities to develop leadership skills, help out in their community, make friends, and participate in a variety of adventures. Find a troop near you.
Clubs to get kids outdoors
Rugged Research offers its Little Rangers program for kids ages 3-6 at parks throughout Larimer County. Aimed at inspiring curiosity about nature, each hour-long class includes a nature-themed activity, lesson, and story. To register visit www.ruggedresearch.org.
Older kids can take advantage of Colorado Youth Outdoors’ seasonal programs, which provide opportunities for teens with an adult parent or mentor to learn skills such as fly fishing, archery, small bore, and trap shooting on its 220 acre expanse in east Fort Collins. To learn more and sign up visit www.coloradoyo.org.
Clubs that exercise the brain
Robotics programs give kids a leg up in some of the fastest growing industries in the world. Many schools offer Colorado FIRST or VEX IQ after-school robotics clubs, where kids can learn to build, program, and drive robots, even competing in competitions which test their robot’s abilities to complete tasks and navigate courses. If your child’s school doesn’t currently offer a club, find one nearby by visiting https://coloradofirst.org/ or www.robotevents.com/robot-competitions/vex-iq-competition.
Have a kid who prefers one-on-one games of strategy? The Loveland Public Library offers Chess Club for Kids each Thursday from 4:15-5:15pm. School-aged kids are invited to learn from volunteers and hone their skills by playing against each other.
