Future Force Summer 2025: Growth, Connection and Unstoppable Energy!

This summer marked the very first year of the Future Force program at our Boys & Girls Club and what a launch it was! Designed to grow teen leaders through hands-on experience, community engagement, and teamwork, Future Force challenged our teen members to step up, show up, and give their best. To make it even more exciting, teens who completed all their required hours were rewarded with a $250 stipend as recognition for their dedication and hard work!

The goal was to give our teens a taste of the workforce world before they’re old enough to have a job of their own, and to build their confidence, skills, and understanding of what it takes to thrive in different work environments. From day one, our teens hit the ground running. They worked side-by-side with staff to keep the Club running smoothly, stepping up as leaders by taking charge of the Snack Shack, organizing our Comfort Closet, lending a helping hand with elementary members, and bringing their unique leadership styles to every corner of the Club. 

One of the most exciting parts of the summer? The incredible tours and field experiences! Our teens had the chance to explore and learn from some of the amazing organizations in our community, including:

• Fond du Lac Police Department – A behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement and community safety.
• Integrity Saw & Tool – Exploring the world of technology, welding and problem-solving.
• Marian University and MPTC – Getting a taste of college life and higher education opportunities!
• ThedaCare – Discovering the many career paths in healthcare.

Every visit opened our members’ eyes to new possibilities for their futures and even sparked a dream or two. This gave them the opportunity to explore different career paths, and as a result, many expressed that their career options expanded by seeing how many different careers are available in just one place of business. 

What truly made this summer unforgettable wasn’t just the places they went or the skills they built, it was the connection between these incredible teens. They were each other’s biggest cheerleaders and motivators. Whether someone was nervous to speak up in a workshop or stepping into a leadership role for the first time, there was always a chorus of encouragement, laughter, and support from the group. That energy was contagious and turned every challenge into an opportunity to grow together.

In between the tours, our Future Force leaders took part in weekly workshops to build personal and professional skills, from time management and teamwork to public speaking and mentoring. These workshops helped build their skills and provided insight into what it’s like to step into the world of the workforce. Members showed us that they are ready for the next steps in their own lives, as well as being committed to inspiring the younger members who look up to them every day. This summer, members shared that stepping up as leaders meant so much to them. Taking on new responsibilities gave them a sense of confidence while also allowing them to work together in meaningful ways. For many, it was eye-opening to see just how much the Club has to offer. Through their experiences, they discovered opportunities they may not have known about before, broadening their perspective on what’s possible for their future.

As the summer wraps up, we are beyond proud of everything our teens accomplished. They’ve proven that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about showing up, working hard, lifting others up, and making a positive impact.

Here’s to our very first Future Force – leaders of today and the bright future of our community!

For more information about Future Force, contact Samantha Fabian at sfabian@bgcfdl.org.