Graphic promoting Lights on Afterschool

The school bell rings. The end of the day can be time for kids to unwind, play, and relax; or, depending on the circumstance, it can be a time of uncertainty and potential risk.

The age of latch-key kids seems as though it should be a thing of the past; however, millions of kids in the United States finish their school day with a troublesome gap between dismissal and parental/guardian care.

Afterschool and out-of-school time care is an essential issue that is often left out of national discussion about schooling and childcare. However, it’s one that must be addressed given the current state of our economy.

Afterschool care is an essential service that American caregivers need in order to survive and thrive. This is where Camp Fire shines. It isn’t just a buffer for busy caregivers. It’s a transformative time where kids form relationships and explore their interests in a safe, controlled space.

Three Truths Everyone Can Get Behind

· Safety First: 3 in 4 caregivers say high-quality afterschool keeps kids safe, away from risky behaviors, and away from too much screen time.

· Real Growth: Afterschool kids do better in school, build confidence, and gain essential life skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional awareness.

· Economic Lifeline: 4 in 5 caregivers report that afterschool care helps them keep their job and support their families. Every $1 invested in high-quality programs returns at least $3 in benefits like youth earning potential, improved school performance, and reduced crime.

Girl featured in graphic promoting bright ideas and afterschool programsReal Talk: What It Feels Like

Emilia Autin-Hefner, Camp Fire’s Manager of Program Services, has spent over a decade on the front lines of afterschool care. When asked about the impact of this type of care, she didn’t just share stats, she talked about relationships:

“Strong and meaningful relationships are one of the biggest markers of a successful after-school program. And one of the biggest issues with this line of work is staff longevity. Kids can’t build those relationships when staff turnover is high.”

Turnover is inevitable when resources aren’t there.

“We have a lot of staff who see this as a part-time job while they’re in college, which is great, but it would also be great if folks saw afterschool education as a viable career, not just a temporary gig.”

Currently, higher education is slow to recognize afterschool/out-of-school time education as a legitimate career path.

We at Camp Fire think this is a mistake, and it’s a gap worth filling through awareness and advocacy.

Afterschool Changes Lives

Emilia shared an impactful story about Anna, a second grader who came into the program experiencing many difficulties with emotional regulation.

Through consistent, nurturing care and communication between afterschool care staff and Anna’s mom, that little girl grew by leaps and bounds.

She became exponentially more emotionally aware and school-ready, while being bathed in supportive connection.

That’s the power of intentional afterschool care. It’s not just about supervision (although that is an important component), it’s about relationships that change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Cartoon graphic featuring core values of Lights on AfterschoolLights On Afterschool

The power of relationships forged inside afterschool programs is one of many reasons why Camp Fire is so supportive of the Afterschool Alliance’s Lights On Afterschool initiative. Every October, more than 8,000 events across the country showcase the impact of afterschool programs and rally support to keep them strong.

Here are just a few highlights from past celebrations hosted by Camp Fire affiliates across the country:
· Shining a Light on Afterschool: Camp Fire First Texas
· Creativity Shines Afterschool
· Autumn Fun Afterschool: Camp Fire Central Oregon

This year’s celebration is coming up on October 23, 2025, and it’s a powerful reminder that afterschool isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Lights On events light up landmarks, bring communities together, and give kids a chance to show off the amazing things they’re learning and creating after school. And the more visible these programs are, the easier it is to secure the resources and policy support they need to thrive.

Let’s Do This Together: How You Can Help

Caregivers & Program Leaders
Register your event, tap into the gallery of ideas, and light up your community. Whether it’s decorating lightbulbs to display in store windows, hosting a community carnival, or simply tagging your social media with #LightsOnAfterschool, your voice can make a difference.

Decision-Makers & Advocates
Use October 23 to drive home the importance of afterschool in your state or district. Sponsor a school board event. Attend a program showcase. Talk publicly about why these spaces matter for working families, safe neighborhoods, and healthy communities.

Anyone Who Cares
Share your story. Show others how afterschool supported you or your kids. Encourage others to show up. Because when communities come together, quality afterschool care gets recognized as the necessity it is for millions of American families.

Afterschool isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s a crucial piece of the childcare puzzle that affects all of us. When kids are nurtured, enriched, and engaged, society as a whole benefits. Let’s do all we can to keep those lights on, build those relationships, and ensure that every child has the support they deserve. Ready to light up your community? Find a Lights On Afterschool event near you, share this post, or comment below with your own afterschool story. We would love to hear all about it!