A community summer to remember
Our Summer Program ’25 was packed with hands-on learning, healthy fun, and lots of time together as a club family. Here are a few highlights from July and August!
Friday, July 11 — Friday Food Fellowship with Beyond Academics
Former WCCYC Youth of the Year (1982) Matt Alex stopped by with his team from Beyond Academics for the Friday Food Fellowship Challenge! Matt and our Executive Director Ed Sheehan fired up the grill and served burgers and dogs to Club Members and staff while everyone played games and hung out. This is Matt’s third summer providing lunch—thank you, Matt and Beyond Academics, for your continued support!
Thursday, July 17 — Fitness walk to Stevenson Park
We took advantage of an unusually cool day for a fitness walk to Stevenson Park. Members and staff enjoyed the playground and outdoor basketball courts, soaking up the fresh air for nearly three hours. After lunch back at the Club, quiet time was extra quiet—more than a few campers dozed off!
Wednesday, August 6 — Family Swim Night at Adventured Bay Pool, Hillside
We hosted a Family Swim Night and the turnout was fantastic—65 club members, parents, and siblings joined us for a perfect evening at the pool. It was 80° and sunny at 6 PM, and we’re excited to plan more family events soon.
Thursday, August 7 — Amalgamated Bank Day at the Club
Friends from Amalgamated Bank of Chicago—including Trina Tyler and Mike Somone—spent the day with members: making bracelets in Arts & Crafts, digging into a needs vs. wants project in the Computer Lab, and providing lunch for the entire camp. A huge thank-you to our partners at Amalgamated for an unforgettable day of learning and fun.
Thursday evening, August 7 — Summer Awards Night
That evening we welcomed 100+ kids, parents, guardians, and alumni to celebrate this summer’s achievements. We handed out 90+ awards, ensuring every Summer Program participant was recognized.
Friday, August 8 — Last Day Celebration & Field Day
We wrapped up with our own version of Field Day—teams competed in friendly challenges and then performed dances, skits, and songs. So many laughs to close out the season!
Wednesday, August 13 — Book signing & Back-to-School Bash with Author Jay Davis
Former Club Member and author Jay Davis joined us with his family for a book signing and back-to-school bash—complete with a DJ, treats, and free school supplies for members. Jay has written two books about growing up in Bellwood with his best friend Marcus (Wells), also a former club member who is no longer with us. Marcus’s older brother Craig, an alum, joined us as well. We gave away supplies to 50+ members, and Jay will be back during the school year for a Q&A.
Thank you to our partners and families
Special thanks to Beyond Academics, Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, Jay Davis and family, and all of our parents, guardians, alumni, and volunteers who made Summer ’25 such a success. We can’t wait to see everyone back at the Club this fall!