Learning That Lasts
August 2025
As summer comes to a close, the Boys and Girls Club of Story County wrapped up a season full of activity—and a quick visit to their Ames club showed just how vibrant those days had been. The newly renovated and expanded building bustled with up to 165 kids a day, many of whom eagerly arrived early to make the most of their morning free-choice time before diving into programs.
It’s Tuesday, with Let’s Cook, Smart Moves, Culinary Chemistry, Science Club, Money Matters, Debate Club, Gardening Club, All Stars Sports Club, Yoga, Track and Field, and STEM programs all going on. “And that’s just Tuesdays. Wednesdays are different!” Says Nichole Schorer, Operations Director at Boys and Girls Club of Story County. “We try to model it after high school or college, where you’re signing up for electives. Our programs are giving them real-world experiences,” she explains.
Nestled in all of the fun they’re having; students of all ages are learning valuable skills and lessons from summers spent at Boys and Girls Club. “We have an initiative to curb summer learning loss,” Nichole says. “Our targeted programs are designed to keep their brains active over the summer, not just sitting in front of a screen all day.” When summer learning loss goes unaddressed, kids can lose valuable momentum that’s hard to regain. By investing in programs like Boys and Girls Club, United Way of Story County helps children discover new passions, strengthen their skills, and step into the school year with confidence and excitement.
At the heart of all the fun and learning each day are connection and inclusion. “My favorite part is building relationships with the kids and families. The kids are all so different and fun,” Nichole shares. The kids who come each day also love making dozens of new friends. As nine-year-old Cedar says, “I like coming here because everyone is accepted for who they are.” Cedar comes in the summers with her younger sister, Blessing, six, who loves to join in the fun just like her older siblings.
Discovering New Passions
Cedar’s good friend Jordan, eight, is also here for the summer. Their families used to be neighbors, so the girls love to keep their friendship going at Boys and Girls Club. All three of the girls are empowered by what they learn each summer. “I want to be a teacher and a wrestling coach,” Jordan explains. “If someone is here learning something, I’m helping them so they can learn.”
Each of the girls has a favorite program, propelling them toward their passions. “I like Logic Club and Let’s Cook,” Cedar shares. “I’ve baked chocolate chip cookies with Ms. Kendra. It was my first time making cookies and I made a big mess with the flour!” Cedar is also gaining skills in engineering, thanks to collaboration with local Girl Scouts, who come in weekly to teach circuits and coding. “There was a battery and a wire, and you had to put the bracket in certain places so it would stay up,” Cedar shares. “I really like doing that.” She hopes to continue growing this passion during the school year by joining Lego League.
As the day continues and the girls settle into their many activities, Nichole looks on with enthusiasm, grateful that Boys and Girls Club can provide “A safe place for kids to be around supportive adults and friends while getting experiences that every kid should have over the summer.” As Cedar puts it, “Boys and Girls Club is a very special place.”