Left, Madison View Extension take a walking field trip to the Sculpture Park. Right, Schierl Center’s second-graders launched the very first Racket League program. (Courtesy BGC)

Boys & Girls Club marks record attendance as summer programs launch across Portage County

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — Summer programming is in full swing for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, which hit a new milestone last week with its highest single-day attendance on record.

According to Director of Resource Development and Marketing Mikayla Kleifgen, the club served 490 youth across its locations on a single day—just shy of its goal to reach 500 in a day. That milestone is expected to be reached soon.

“We’re just getting started with summer, and our Clubs are already buzzing with energy,” Kleifgen said.

The organization also expanded its reach this week with the launch of a brand-new site in Marshfield. The location officially opened its doors Monday at noon, marking a significant step forward in reaching more families in the region.

A variety of hands-on activities have already kicked off across the club’s multiple sites, including:

  • McKinley Center: Children participated in volcano experiments and created their own playdough during STEAM activities.

  • Berard Center: Hosted a Carpet Ball Tournament and a Triple Play Glow Party for second through sixth graders. Fifth and sixth graders also worked with visiting artist Holden to create mosaics, and younger members used Boomwhackers to perform “Eye of the Tiger” for Music Monday.

  • Madison View Extension: Took a walking field trip to the Sculpture Park to explore outdoor art installations.

  • Junction City: Youth joined LEGO League, focusing on building and collaboration.

  • Schierl Center: Launched its first-ever Racket League with help from a trained tennis instructor and the club’s health and wellness coordinator.

Kleifgen said the club has embraced a balance of fun and structure as it heads into the summer season, with themes like “Wacky Wednesday: Neon Day” and plenty of high-energy activities.

Not everything has gone according to plan—but that’s expected, Kleifgen added.

“So far, we’ve had two lost teeth, one bee sting, one nosebleed, and three bathroom accidents,” she said. “Here’s to more sunshine, more smiles, and just the right amount of chaos.”

For more information on programs or to get involved, visit www.bgclubpc.org.