Club Programs During COVID-19

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County continues doing whatever it takes to address the needs of families and kids in our area during the pandemic. Open or download the flyer.

Our support pivots started the day after schools closed in March. The next day, our non-school based Clubs opened and began offering all-day programming to serve kids of first responders, healthcare professionals, grocery store employees, and others part of the essential workforce. For two months, we didn’t charge any Essential Worker for all-day programming and meals. We have a strong tradition of being there for those who need us most.

Rotary Club member playing golf game in the gym.

When schools closed, Microsoft, Safeway, T-Mobile, and other organizations, offered free meals to Clubs to help us address food insecurity. In April alone, participating Clubs served approximately 8,824 meals and snacks to community members. Our Clubs continue to offer food relief to kids enrolled in Summer Camps by providing nutritious snacks during the day.

To protect the health of kids and staff, open Clubs implemented new safety procedures. These included regular cleanings, taking visitors’ temperatures, and screening for possible contact with the virus before entry. We also created additional enhanced procedures for Summer Camp.

Ballard Club member enjoys a beading project.

During extended programming, our staff experienced an outpouring of appreciation and support from Club families in response to the expanded programs.

“We cannot fully express our gratitude to you for staying open and enabling us to continue serving the community,” from a Ballard Club parent who made a gift online to cover program costs for another member in need.

Community members and foundations contributed upwards of $1 million to help provide supervision, regular meals, and learning opportunities for Club kids and teens.

Many families who stayed home during school closures, donated their Club membership fees.

Thanks to every one of you for your generosity!

Our youth development professionals continue finding creative ways to combat learning loss during COVID-19.

When schools were closed, Club staff partnered with local school districts and offered homework packets aligned with the curriculum. They also set aside dedicated time for academic support. Kids were able to access computers and Wi-Fi at the Clubs, allowing them to complete homework online and connect virtually with their teachers.

Wallingford Club members engaging in safely-distanced learning.

Our youth development professionals continue finding creative ways to combat learning loss during COVID-19. 

When schools were closed, Club staff partnered with local school districts and offered homework packets aligned with the curriculum. They also set aside dedicated time for academic support. Kids were able to access computers and Wi-Fi at the Clubs, allowing them to complete homework online and connect virtually with their teachers.

 “We knew it was going to be a very different opportunity, with different needs we had to address,” said Ramsey Jester, Club Program Director. Ramsey and other program staff have worked tirelessly to assemble resources and develop an action plan for preventing learning loss. Educational activities primarily focus on math, reading, writing, and social and emotional learning.

“Our families are extremely appreciative,” said Ramsey. “Many have expressed the relief they feel knowing that their children are continuing their education.”

One family, whose three children attend the Sacajawea Elementary Club, had only planned to enroll their kids in the program for a week. Both parents are doctors working daily to manage the current health crisis.

“Following that first week, I asked dad about the plan going forward,” said Ramsey. “He said he wanted the kids to stay registered five days a week, every week until the program was no longer running. This same father would continue to recommend our program to his fellow healthcare workers. Since then, our enrollment has tripled.”

According to Ramsey, these relationships with youth and their families have been enriching. “There are multiple exchanges each day of ‘thank you for what you do’ between youth development professionals and the doctors, nurses, and other essential workers we support.”

In addition to math, reading, and writing, Clubs explored fun, innovative ways to teach kids about science, geography, arts and culture, and more. Recently, kids and staff celebrated Earth Day with a week of themed educational activities, including a scavenger hunt and a countywide, virtual game of Earth Day Jeopardy.

In late April, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County published a resource page with tried-and-true activities that could be done at the Club or at homes, such as virtual museum tours and kid-friendly cooking videos. Virtual Clubs Resources is an additional outlet for all families looking for other learning tools during this time.