By Shannon Lukens.

 

The Boys & Girls Club in Craig celebrated the new Lights On AfterSchool movement. It gives kids a safe place to go after school.

 

Craig Mayor Chris Nichols was at the kickoff to the new program Monday night in Craig.

“The Lights on signifies that the Boys & Girls Club is a safe environment for our youth to learn and thrive for the future.”

 

Colorado State Representative Meghan Lukens also was at the event.

This story was updated on Nov. 6, 2024, to add others who attended the celebration.

The Steamboat Club will also celebrate the new Lights on AfterSchool movement at 5 p.m. this Thursday. Here’s Director Kelly Landers.

“It highlights the fact that we keep our lights on after school, that we’re not dark, and that we’re a welcoming, open, lit up place for kids to come after school and on their school days off.”

SavATree out of Hayden donated the lights for both Boys & Girls Club buildings in Craig and Steamboat Springs.

Video of Lights On AfterSchool countdown

 

Press Release from Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado Celebrates Lights On Afterschool

Highlighting the Importance of After-School Programs for Youth in Craig and Steamboat

 

Craig, CO & Steamboat Springs, CO — October 16, 2024 — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado (BGCNWC) is proud to join the national Lights On Afterschool movement, which emphasizes the critical role that after-school programs play in our communities. This nationwide event celebrates the fact that organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs keep their doors open to provide youth with a safe, supportive place to be when school lets out.

BGCNWC serves over 200 kids each day across its Craig and Steamboat Clubs, offering a variety of programs that help children succeed academically, develop social skills, foster emotional well-being, explore new interests, and acquire life skills. As part of this celebration, the Clubs invite the community to join in two special events:

• Craig Club: October 21, 5 p.m.
  • The event will include ice cream, crafts and science experiments for the whole family. SavATree will light up the front entrance, symbolizing the bright future these programs provide for local youth. Craig Mayor and BGCNWC board chair Chris Nichols will lead the ceremonial lighting.
• Steamboat Club: October 24, 5 p.m.
  • Families are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt and pizza in the Mary Brown Teen Center, with the iconic giant tree and front entrance illuminated by SavATree, marking the club’s dedication to youth development. The lighting ceremony will be led by Steamboat Springs School District Superintendent Dr. Celine Wicks.

Lights On Afterschool highlights the importance of keeping after-school programs open to support children’s growth and development. These programs offer academic support, help improve grades and attitudes toward school, and allow children to develop essential social skills through peer interactions. Additionally, after-school programs offer a safe environment where children can explore new passions and cultivate confidence and resilience.

“Our after-school programs are a vital part of the community, helping kids to feel connected, secure, and empowered,” said Dana Duran, Executive Director of BGCNWC. “By celebrating Lights On Afterschool, we hope to shine a light on the positive impact these programs have on our youth and our community as a whole.”

Join us in celebrating Lights On Afterschool and see how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado continue to make a difference in the lives of young people. For more information, contact Kelly Landers.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado (BGCNWC) is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for youth in Craig and Steamboat Springs. Through a variety of programs, BGCNWC aims to inspire young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.