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It's hard to believe that today is our last day of summer programming at Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County. Wow - did it go by fast! Celebrating our Summer of Discovery graduation earlier this week, the room was full of excitement and a sense of accomplishment as nearly 100 teen graduates from our Fort Collins, Loveland Pulliam, and Wellington Clubs crossed the stage. I'm so proud of our staff and all of the hard work and long hours they put in to give our kids the best possible experience this summer. Their commitment and dedication to our mission showed up every week with new field trips and partnership opportunities to enhance our program for the 500+ youth in our Clubs each day.
Our keynote speaker for graduation was Fort Collins native and Olympic bobsled team member, Hunter Powell. Like many of our youth in the audience, he was a student in Poudre School District and faced similiar challenges through adolescence. His story of hard work, resilience, and the power of relentlessly chasing a dream inspired both the youth and the adults in the room. He reminded us that success isn't always linear and some of the obstacles on our path can turn into opportunity with a little grit and an unwaivering belief in possibility.
This month, we also sent members of our Fort Collins and Loveland Pulliam Keystone Clubs to Orlando, Florida to participate in an incredible national conference highlighting teen leadership and public service. It was an opportunity for them to meet and learn from their peers across the country and our team took home a suitcase full of awards, memories, and new friendships. Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County is recognized as a leader in the movement and our staff is at the forefront of program innovation, behavioral health, and membership experience.
We close out our program tonight with a countywide gathering at City Park Pool. It will be full of smiles and waterslides and one last memory to carry with them from BGCLC. We'll miss you summer. Thanks for the adventure!
You can check out all the fun in our Summer of Discovery 2026 video below!
With Gratitude,
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From Finding Community to Building It:
Alumni and Current Staff Member Turns Her Club Experience into Club Leadership
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As she greets Club members on her daily pickup route, Ayanna sees a little of herself in each kid. She was once one of those youth, a Club member looking for a place to belong and find her voice. Today, she's helping create that same experience as a staff member at the Loveland Pulliam Boys & Girls Club.
Ayanna (far left) attending
National Keystone Conference
A Place to Belong
Ayanna became a member of the Loveland Pulliam Boys & Girls Club when she was six years old. She grew up with a single mother who needed somewhere for her daughter to go while she worked. Though Ayanna was shy at first, she soon found a sense of belonging in the art room, where she could express her creativity.
As her time as a Club member went on, she started to participate in leadership development programming, specifically the Youth of the Year competition.
According to Ayanna, her favorite part about Club was how it helped her grow from a shy kid into a confident youth who wasn’t afraid to use her voice.
“Now I'm not afraid to be in big crowds of people. I'm not afraid to command a room, and that's something that Club really taught me,” she says.
| | Join Us at the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament! | | |
August 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
The Olde Course at Loveland
2115 W 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538
Enjoy a fun-filled day of golf, networking, and friendly competition, while making a meaningful impact for more than 2,500 local youth.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just out for fun, your participation helps provide safe spaces, academic support, and mentorship for kids who need it most.
Foursome: $1,750
Foursome + Hole Sponsor: $2,000
Additional sponsorships are still available! Click below for details and to register. Questions? Contact Caitlin Carter at cca...@bgclarimer.org.
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Future Innovators Take the Stage at
Summer of Discovery Shark Tank
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Summer of Discovery wrapped up Entrepreneurship Week with the annual Shark Tank event, hosted at the Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building at CSU.
Summer of Discovery is an eight-week workforce exploration program that introduces middle and high school youth to a variety of career pathways, including energy, technology, construction trades, and more.
During Entrepreneurship Week, participants put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by developing innovative product prototypes and pitching their ideas to a panel of judges.
The Shark Tank event was a celebration of the confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking our youth kids and teens throughout the summer. From identifying real-world challenges to presenting thoughtful solutions, participants demonstrated the entrepreneurial mindset and communication skills that will serve them well in the future.
We are incredibly grateful to the Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences for generously hosting this event and providing an inspiring space where our youth could learn, collaborate, and share their ideas!
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Join Our Team This School Year!
Looking for meaningful work that makes a lasting impact? Do you know someone looking for experience working with youth? Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County is hiring caring, energetic team members to help create safe, supportive, and fun spaces where local youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
Whether you're looking for a part-time role that fits your schedule or a chance to make a difference in your community, we'd love to have you on our team. It's a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in education, youth development, and the nonprofit sector while making a meaningful impact in your community.
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Join us as we continue Building Great Futures.
Then. Now. Always.
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