Camp Fire President & CEO Lauren Richard Celebrates Two Years of Success!, a Camp Fire First Texas blog

As the nation celebrates the 23rd annual Lights On Afterschool, many of the thousands of events held on and around October 20 will shine a light on the innovative ways afterschool programs support the well-being of young people. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for afterschool programs, which keep kids safe and healthy, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind.

“From building connections to peers and mentors, to serving healthy snacks and meals, to helping young people handle anxiety, to inspiring students to move and get fit, afterschool programs across the country are providing essential support for students’ physical and mental health,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “That support is more important than ever, as the pandemic has taken a real toll on many students’ well-being. We are thrilled that so many Lights On events this year are showcasing the healthy habits afterschool programs instill in children and youth, which can last a lifetime.”

Camp Fire First Texas is proud to be a Lights On Afterschool partner.

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. “Camp Fire provides opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults with healthy habits, growth mindsets, a community leadership focus, and a connection to nature,” said Camp Fire Vice President Youth Development Jazmine Lewis.

Camp Fire will host Lights On Afterschool events at 11 Afterschool and Teens in Action program sites to showcase all the ways afterschool programs are serving our communities – now and in the future! Activities will include student art galleries, STEM robotic challenges, fall carnivals, karaoke, family game nights, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, and more.

Camp Fire Afterschool and Teens in Action program sites

Fort Worth ISD: Diamond Hill Elementary, Diamond Hill Station, Sam Rosen Elementary, William Monnig Middle School,  and Westcliff Elementary
Aledo ISD: Vandagriff Elementary, Annetta Elementary, McCall Elementary, Coder Elementary, Walsh Elementary, and Stuard Elementary

Some 24.7 million U.S. children not in an afterschool program would be enrolled, if a program were available to them, according to a survey of 1,500 parents commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and conducted by Edge Research in May and June of 2022. That is the highest number ever recorded. Unmet demand for afterschool programs is significantly higher among Latino and Black children (at 60% and 54% respectively) than among children overall (49%).

A household survey released in April confirms parents see afterschool and summer learning programs as a pivotal support for young people’s well-being. Nine in ten parents of afterschool students report their afterschool program gives their child time to interact with peers and build social skills, 82% say it helps build their confidence, and 73% say it helps their child learn responsible decision making. The supports afterschool programs provide are especially important to parents of color and families with low incomes.

The American Rescue Plan provided historic resources to expand access to out-of-school time programs. In July, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Engage Every Student Initiative, a bold call to action to use funds from the American Rescue Plan, as well as state and local funds, to ensure access to high-quality out-of-school time programs for every child. The Afterschool Alliance is one of five coordinating organizations in this historic new public/private partnership.

Help us shine a light on the impact afterschool programs are making right here in North Texas – inspiring learning and supporting the wellbeing of the youth and families that Camp Fire serves.

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The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.