Los Fresnos Boys and Girls Club Summer Program: Fostering Growth and Fun

Updated: July 6, 2024

The Los Fresnos Boys and Girls Club is in full swing with its annual summer camp sessions, offering an enriching and dynamic environment for local youth. The summer sessions, which consist of two four-week programs running Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, are designed to engage children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 in a variety of activities aimed at promoting their overall development.

Program Overview
The club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. This mission is reflected in the diverse array of programs offered during the summer camp. Notable programs include:
Triple Play: A comprehensive health and wellness initiative by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) that focuses on increasing daily physical activity, teaching good nutrition, and helping members develop healthy relationships.

Ultimate Journey: One of BGCA’s oldest and most successful STEM programs, developed in partnership with the National Park Service. This program introduces youth to environmental stewardship through age-appropriate modules, fostering an appreciation for nature through experiential education activities.
TX Aim Summer STEM Camp: In partnership with Sylvan Learning, this camp focuses on significant skill growth in school subjects through a personalized approach.
Additionally, members participate in traditional indoor and outdoor physical activities, arts & crafts, and game room activities.

According to Jose Benavides, Director of Operations at the Los Fresnos Boys & Girls Club, the first session of the summer camp has been a resounding success, with many new faces joining the familiar ones from the after-school program. “We’ve encountered many new faces to our program along with the familiar ones that attend our after-school program,” Benavides said. He also noted the transformation in some of the shyer members, who have become comfortable and enthusiastic about meeting new friends. “Shy members have become so comfortable meeting new friends,” he added.

The summer camp has already produced several memorable moments and positive changes among its participants. “Kids that didn’t want to stay now have no problem saying bye when they get dropped off,” Benavides shared. He’s also noticed a significant reduction in screen time from the kids. “Kids that were glued to their electronics now sometimes forget they brought them,” he noted. The introduction of new games and activities has been a hit, with campers eagerly looking forward to each session. “Kids learned a new game or activity and now they can’t wait to participate in it,” Benavides remarked.

Upcoming Events and Registration
Registration for the second summer session, which begins on July 8, 2024, and runs Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, started on June 17 and will continue until all spots are filled. A few spots remain available, providing a final opportunity for interested families to enroll their children.

Benavides also highlighted some exciting events on the horizon. The 2024 Indoor Soccer league just concluded on June 29 with their end-of-season tournament, followed by an awards ceremony on July 2nd. Additionally, the club will participate in the Independence Day festival on July 3, 2024, hosted by the Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce. “We’ll host a hotdog eating contest, jalapeño eating contest, tortilla toss, and a waiter race, each with prizes,” Benavides said.

The Los Fresnos Boys and Girls Club summer camp sessions provide a safe, engaging, and educational environment for local youth. By offering a blend of national programs, physical activities, and community events, the club continues to make a significant impact on the lives of its members, helping them grow into responsible and active citizens. As Benavides aptly put it, “Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential, and this summer, we’ve made great strides toward that goal.”