How the Boys & Girls Club Helps Parents and Kids Thrive

As students experience a sense of dread and anxiety at the sound of the first school bell, many working parents find themselves grappling with similar feelings of concern about the challenges that lie ahead. They're left with urgent questions like, "Where will my child go after school?" "Who will take care of them while I'm at work?" For Kayla Baker, those questions are where her story with Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield began. 

Years ago, Kayla was balancing full-time motherhood with a demanding summer course load to finish her degree in early education. When she needed a safe, engaging place for her young son, William, she enrolled him in the summer program at Boys & Girls Club.

"I didn't have to worry about picking him up," Kayla recalls. "They picked him up and brought him to the Club."

Over time, William learned to play tennis, went to Grant Beach Park, and joined chess club. "He participated in a few different activities that I don't think he would have normally gotten," she says. 

From Club Mom to Unit Director

Back then, Kayla admits to not fully realizing everything the Club had to offer. She remembers looking at the parent calendar and seeing the programs but not knowing what they were. 

Fast forward to today: that former Club mom walked through our doors as a staff member and is now a Club Director. 

Because of her journey, Kayla understands exactly how parents feel on day one. That's why she places so much emphasis on parent orientation. During these presentations, she takes the time to break down the six program areas, which are The Arts, Character & Leadership, Education, Health and Wellness, Sports & recreation and Workforce Readiness. 

"There should be purpose and intention behind everything we are planning," Kayla explains. 

Tips for First-Time Families

If your child is brand new to Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Kayla offers a few tips to make the transition smooth for everyone:  

1. Bring your child to orientation so that they can tour the building and learn the guidelines early so they're ready for the first day.
2. Lean into the school-year routine: Kids arrive off the bus with classmates they've already spent the day with, making that first step through the doors much less intimidating.
3. Use the Club to build your own community

"Being a parent, you have to rely on a village, and not everyone has that," Kayla says. "But this is your first stepping stone. Your kids make friends here, and then you have playdates and get introduced to other parents."

Curious about what's happening at the Club? Follow us on social media! It's the best way to see daily program photos, catch our members in action, and stay in the loop on upcoming events for parents.