With High-Quality Afterschool Programming

School’s back in session, which means a return to the hustle, bustle—and stress—of juggling everyone’s schedules.

Elementary school is out at 2:55.

Middle school’s final bell rings at 3:20.

Parent/Caregiver A’s workday ends at 5:00.

Parent/Caregiver B’s (if there is a Parent/Caregiver B in the home) workday ends around 6:00.

When you consider the need for children to be supervised versus the need for caregivers to earn a living, the math isn’t mathing.

So what happens during that not-insignificant gap between the end of school and a caregiver’s workday?

Well, according to studies conducted by the National Afterschool Alliance, 7.6 million children leave school and go…somewhere.

Some head home to an empty house.

Others meet up with friends.

And, unfortunately, some will find themselves in risky or unsafe situations.

We all know that a lack of supervision can lead to a whole host of problems, which is why the issue of afterschool care is so crucial.

It’s one of many reasons why Camp Fire prioritizes meeting kids where they are with high-quality afterschool programming that promotes the health and safety of our children and our communities.

Out-of-School (OST) Programming is Good For Our Communities

Less crime.

Better academics.

More opportunity.

Healthier habits.

Stronger connections.

All while fostering a sense of belonging for both the children and the professionals who work with them.

“When a young person is thriving or flourishing — that helps everyone around them. Society as a whole works better when young people have opportunities to feel emotionally supported and support their own mental health,” said Shawna Rosenzweig, President of Camp Fire.

When you look at all the benefits, it’s easy to see why the overwhelming majority of parents (87%!) support public funding for afterschool programming.
What if, instead of spending time unsupervised after school, all kids had access to high-quality, engaging activities in a safe and welcoming space?

That’s the vision the National Afterschool Alliance has for America, and it’s one that Camp Fire is proud to support.

So Much More Than Babysitting
High-quality afterschool programs offer much more than supervision.

Across the country, we are seeing innovative, impactful programs that open up new worlds of possibilities for kids.

From Tae Kwan Do to computer programming; theater arts to STEM exploration, these programs offer a safe space for kids to develop new skills, discover new interests, and make connections with both peers and their afterschool staff.

“It makes life so much easier knowing my son is in great hands while I’m at work. He has fun with his friends, gets help with homework, and doesn’t want to leave when I pick him up!” – Brad, Camp Fire Alaska Parent

Afterschool Programs Lighten the Load for Parents

The relief that parents in our afterschool Camp Fire programs have is real.

Just ask the U.S. Surgeon General who recently released a public advisory that can be summarized like this:

Parents and caregivers are stressed out, fed up, and just plain exhausted.

The mental health crisis among parents has gotten so dire that the Surgeon General felt the need to publish a General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents.

The advisory calls attention to the mental health crisis that has been growing over the years, citing statistics including:

Child care prices have grown by approximately 26% in the U.S in the last decade.
41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function.
48% say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to other adults.
66% of parents reported feeling consumed by worries regarding money compared to 39% of other adults.

The Surgeon General called on a multifaceted approach to help alleviate the problem. Among his recommendations:

→ Promote and expand funding for programs that support caregivers and their families.

→ Strengthen and establish more school-based support programs.

Organizations such as the National Afterschool Association and the Afterschool Alliance are working hard to lobby for exactly that—more funding and more support to expand afterschool programs across the country.

Right now, for every one child enrolled in a program, there are three waiting to get in—and that’s just in places where programming exists.

Many communities lack programming altogether. Recent studies found there are nearly 25 million children not currently in an afterschool program who would be enrolled if a program were available to them.

“This fall, we see afterschool programs around the country being forced to turn students away, and in some cases close, due to inadequate funding,” Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant said.

“When afterschool programs aren’t available, students go without academic and social supports, parents can be forced to cut hours or leave their jobs, and children and youth are at risk for isolation, dangerous behaviors, and other harms.”

This is one of many reasons why we are proud to partner with the Afterschool Alliance’s Lights On Afterschool 2024 event.

Since its launch in 2000, Lights On Afterschool has been the only nationwide rally celebrating afterschool programs. Every year, more than 8,000 afterschool programs across the country draw more than a million people to celebrate and bring attention to the need for more quality afterschool programming.

Afterschool Programming in the U.S. is Facing a Pivotal Moment

This year’s Lights On Afterschool event is perhaps more important than ever.

Funding from the American Rescue Plan is about to run out. It’s estimated that more than $10 billion in ARP funding was used to support afterschool and summer learning programs for 5 million additional students.

If we don’t find ways to sustain and expand funding, these programs are at risk, leaving millions of children without access to quality afterschool learning.

Afterschool programs make a difference in the lives of young people every day, inspiring learning and preparing students for a bright future! Visit Lights on Afterschool to find an event near you, including Camp Fire Central Oregon!

Together, let’s put the #LightsOnAfterschool for the programs that help our kids, families, and communities thrive. Find an afterschool program near you.