Our summer program came to a close on August 14th, and we wanted to reflect on all of the memories and experiences that have formed over the past month and a half. Our organization offers arts, athletics, social recreation, swimming classes and science & technology, but what we really care about is what our Club kids get out of it all. On a daily basis, our kids experience opportunities the allow them to play and enjoy their summer while also incorporating learning through constructive activities. Our Club kids had so many stories they wanted to share with us such as, "I really liked G.A.N.G camp this summer. They showed us what would happen if we did something bad. I realized that I never want that to be my life. I want to be a vet someday and help the animals I see on the commercials, and I don't want to do anything that could stop me." Over the past several weeks, our kids have enjoyed activities such as talent shows, drawing contests, water balloon games and trivia. We’ve had weekly themes that range from entertainment week to cultural week. Since our kids were introduced to several new friends and staff this summer, we wanted to teach them all the different cultures that inhabit our Club. Our kids created flags from around the world and had show-and-tell days to explain their customs. "This summer has been awesome! I know pretty much everybody here. I don't have kids to play with in my neighborhood, but here I have tons of friends. This summer I learned how to just be happy with my friends," one of our club kids tells us. It has been an amazing summer here at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2016.