Empowering Futures: A Flourishing Partnership with 4-H and Roberts Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac

The Boys and Girls Club Roberts location partnership with 4-H was established in January 2024.  Tracy Keifenheim, 4-H Program Educator, worked with Anna Koepsell, Roberts Extension Director, to establish some afterschool club offerings on various topics of interest to the youth who attended the club. The Boys and Girls Club at Roberts Elementary serves Rosenow and Roberts Elementary students. This site is the newest Boys and Girls Club site in Fond du Lac. The average daily attendance for the location is 51 youth, which has grown from 40 in 2022. Club provides programming and services for youth participants like tutoring, learning social skills and conflict resolution, and structured learning opportunities. 

Keifenheim interviewed Koepsell to highlight the partnership between Roberts Boys and Girls Club and Fond du Lac 4-H. Koepsell shared that she was familiar with Extension from previous careers in different counties before the partnership started. She had always known about Extension and 4-H, but not the depth of the programs offered, especially 4-H. When asked what is the best thing to happen since working with the Fond du Lac 4-H program, she answered “Seeing the students thrive in the space and seeking out opportunities that spark their interests.” Some of the strongest values the working with Extension has brought to the club are “Teaching youth skills over time through multiple sessions and the small group focused on areas of interest to build connections.” She also stated, “Having another adult role model for youth to form relationships and connections to help build a sense of belonging aligns with the mission and values of the Boys and Girls Club.” Koepsell and Keifenheim have enjoyed observing youth to be motivated to learn and proud moments of their achievements along the way.   

Currently, the Fond du Lac 4-H Program has had 3 different afterschool 4-H Clubs at Roberts Boys and Girls Club. Keifenheim and Koepsell look forward to continuing this partnership. Koepsell is specifically excited for future offerings of different topics that are areas the youth may not receive instruction on in school. Some of these include animals, archery, STEM, or anything else that will spark youth’s interest. Koepsell share “One thing I wish more people knew about Extension/4-H was how extensive all the opportunities offered are and the connections and resources that are available.”