For many of the youth at Boys Town, summer hasn’t always meant fun and freedom. It’s often been a season of instability or missed childhood moments. But this year, thanks to our incredible staff and generous community partners, our kids are finally getting what every child deserves—a summer filled with joy, discovery and connection.
Boys Town’s Summer Enrichment Program is made possible through the hard work of trained summer support staff and a carefully planned activity schedule. Each week is built around hands-on learning, teamwork and fun.
Our kids have explored careers, practiced empathy and learned practical skills like cooking and basic mechanics. They’ve launched rockets, built and raced Pinewood Derby cars, created art and baked everything from caramel apple bites to custom cupcakes. One of the highlights? The Soggy Bottom Regatta—a fun event where youth build cardboard boats and race them across the pool at the Palrang Fieldhouse.
We’ve also made room for creative expression and connection through visits and workshops from amazing partners, including:
- American Midwest Ballet
- Omaha Street Percussion
- Heartland Hip Hop
- Humane Society
- Top Golf
- Metro Community College
- Army & Air Force Recruiters
- UNO Pickleball with Noble
These partners helped bring our programming to life—through performances, field trips, mentorship and hands-on activities that left our kids smiling from ear to ear.
What makes this summer even more meaningful is the way Boys Town staff jump in—judging cupcake competitions, cheering at pool races or helping with crafts and games. Their involvement creates moments of joy and connection that our kids will carry with them long after summer ends.
This summer isn’t just about having fun—it’s about healing, growing and learning how to have healthy, meaningful fun with others. Many of our kids are experiencing this kind of summer for the very first time, and it’s thanks to a community that believes in them.
To everyone who played a part—thank you. You didn’t just make summer happen. You helped make childhood happen.
