The Kiwanis Club of Akron recently partnered with the Steve Weiss Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio to give children a day to remember at the Summit County Fair. For many of the young participants, it was their very first time experiencing the excitement of the fairgrounds.
The day was filled with laughter and discovery as the kids enjoyed meeting farm animals up close, sampling delicious fair food, and taking in the sights and sounds of the midway rides. With Kiwanis volunteers guiding and cheering them on, each child was able to enjoy the simple joys of summer in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
This outing is just one example of the Kiwanis Club of Akron’s ongoing commitment to serving children in the community. By creating opportunities like this, Kiwanis helps build lasting memories, fosters positive experiences, and strengthens the bonds between youth and the caring adults who support them.
Our primary goal is to grow and maintain service leadership programs (Builders Clubs) for each public and private middle school in the Greater Akron area. A Builders Club—the largest service organization for middle school students ages 11 to 15—is designed to provide members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership. The club is student led, operates under school regulations, and draws its members from the student body. When started at a young age, the service club experience prepares its members to become the most engaged members of their communities—now and in the future.
We know the transition from grade school to middle school can be tough for any adolescent boy or girl. Common challenges children face include dealing with social pressures, making new friends, communicating with teachers, confronting bullies, becoming a positive contributor, bouncing back from failure and disappointments, and learning about the world. With your help, our middle school-aged children will have access to programming and resources that will help them transition into confident young adults.