Since 1986, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC) has been more than an after-school program it’s been a cornerstone of growth, connection, and community support. Each year, more than 2,500 youth walk through the doors of Clubs in Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, and Estes Park, ready to learn, lead, and dream.
Inside, they find caring mentors, new friendships, and programs that help them reach their potential through: • Academic Support: building skills for school and beyond.
• Leadership Development: learning to make a difference and lead with integrity.
• Workforce Exploration: discovering careers and future paths.
• Social-Emotional Wellbeing: developing resilience and empathy.
• Fun: sparking joy, laughter, and lasting friendships.
Teens Leading by Example
For the first time in seven years, the Loveland-Pulliam Keystone Club attended the National Keystone Conference in Chicago — a nationwide gathering for teen leaders ages 14–18. To qualify, members completed over 200 hours of community service and led projects focused on academics, career readiness, and fundraising. Once in Chicago, these young leaders bonded while navigating new experiences — from managing travel without family to sampling deep-dish pizza for the first time. They even applied their financial literacy lessons from Canvas Credit Union to win a budgeting challenge, proving that learning extends far beyond the classroom.
Connecting, Creating, and Captivating
The Keystone teens returned home inspired to deepen their local impact. Partnering with BATA Sole, a Colorado nonprofit, they spent a day cleaning shoes, stepping out of their comfort zones, and practicing leadership through service.
“It was one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences we’ve ever had,” staff members shared. “We can’t wait to bring our Fort Collins and Wellington Keystone Clubs to the next national conference.”
A Community That Builds Great Futures
BGCLC remains the most affordable and comprehensive out-of-school program in Northern Colorado, offering meals, academic enrichment, mentorship, workforce preparation, and award-winning behavioral health services.
Programs like Keystone thrive because of generous partnerships with local businesses, donors, and volunteers who believe in investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Every dollar, every hour, and every act of support helps ensure kids have the tools and confidence to build great futures.
As the organization celebrates 40 years of impact, it continues to invite the community to join its mission of “Building Great Futures — Then. Now. Always.”
Quick Facts
Founded: 1986
Locations: Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, Estes Park
Youth Served Annually: 2,500+
Signature Teen Program: Keystone Leadership & Service
Website: www.BeGreatLarimer.org