Virtual Backpack

25th Annual Kindness Week - January 15-23

Organized by the Coalition for Dismantling Racism - “Counting on Kindness in 2021”

• Kindness Week Event Schedule (PDF)

During Kindness Week and throughout the year we encourage you to show acts of "Kindness" by donating non-perishable items to a food pantry and/or homeless shelter. Together, we can continue to make a difference by Counting on Kindness in 2021!

4-H

• Join 4-H!  4-H empowers youth, ages 5-19, through hands-on learning.
• Archery, clothing, fishing, foods, Legos, photography, rocketry, small animals, large animals, leadership, service, summer camp, travel, new friends, and more!
• 4-H Flier - English
• 4-H Flier - Spanish
• For more information on how to join, or to attend an upcoming information session, go to www.kenoshacounty4h.org

Afterschool Enrichment Solutions

• Our virtual programs for K-8 enjoy phenomenal reviews! Chess, Spanish, STEM, Art, Drama, French, MusicStart and iCook
• We have brand new, specialized programs for 6-8th graders.
• Our Teens Tactical Thinking with Chess combines valuable life skills, emotional/social learning and Career Readiness topics while learning the ancient game of Chess!
• We also have popular virtual Escape Room experiences with problem solving, social fun!  Many schools have been awarding this event to classrooms to incentivize goal setting and progress.
• Click here for a short video about AES/Chess Scholars!

Afterschool Enrichment Solutions website

Upcoming Program Fliers (PDF)

Anderson Arts Center CREATIVE CLASSES

• Part of the Kemper Center campus, offers classes in art, music and dance for all ages, all year round!
• Art Gallery and Gift Shop OPEN for free admission, Tuesdays-Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. Call ahead for schedule.
• Location: 6603 3rd Avenue, Kenosha. Telephone: 262-653-0481, Website: andersonartscenter.com
• Latest Updates & Special Events Information found on Anderson’s Facebook page.

Before and After School Program at RecPlex

• The RecPlex Before and After School Program provides transportation to and from school, as well as wide variety of activities for children to do before and after school including: gym games, outdoor play, swimming, arts and crafts and more!. The RecPlex also provides mid-day pick up for children attending K4 classes for only half the day.

• Information flier (PDF)

Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha

Each child attending the Club needs a membership. Memberships are $20 per child per year or $30 per family per year. The fee is waived for all teen members (ages 13-18). Program areas of focus include education, leadership, recreation, health and life skills. A healthy meal or snack is served daily.

• Troha Youth Center & Tween Center
  • ​​Ages 6-9 and 10-12
• Teen Center
  • ​​Ages 13-18
• Laken Family Jefferson Elementary Extension
  • ​​Age 6 and up
• BGC Sports
  • ​​BGC Sports (part of Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha) offers youth sport leagues and clinics to kids ages 4 - 18. Adult leagues are also run in select sports.
• Boys & Girls Club information flier (PDF)
• Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha website

Bright by Text

• Bright by Text sends free activities, games, and resources right to your cell phone. Messages are targeted to your child’s age and include information on child development, language and early literacy, health and safety, behavioral tips, and more!
• Bright by Text is for anyone who cares for and loves a child between the ages of 0 and 8 - parents, grandparents, babysitters, aunties, uncles, neighbors, friends, teachers, and more.
• Sign up for Bright by Text

Building Our Future

Together we’re better: Our purpose is clear at Building Our Future. A community in which every child has the opportunity and support structure to succeed in school and in life – regardless of race, ethnicity, ZIP code or income. That is Building Our Future’s vision for Kenosha County, and it’s an objective that we’re excited to outline and celebrate in our newly published 2019 Impact Report. Building Our Future is a network of community leaders representing all sectors of our community – public and private – committed to improving student outcomes.

Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care

• Walk-in Pediatric Urgent Care from Children's Wisconsin (formerly Children' Hospital of Wisconsin) available in Kenosha 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
• Children's Wisconsin Urgent Care Brochure (PDF)​

Cub Scouts

Interested in Cub Scouting? Join today.

• Pick a Cub Scout Pack to join at BEASCOUT.ORG
• If you have any questions, please contact Mary Kveton, Red Arrow District Executive at Mary.Kveton@Scouting.org
• Information flier
  • English (PDF)
  • Spanish (PDF)

Education Foundation of Kenosha

Seeking Board Members

• The Education Foundation of Kenosha was organized in 1980 to support the Kenosha Unified School District and its mission. The Foundation has financed a wide range of educational and enrichment projects not able to be funded through the District's normal budgetary allotments.
• The Board raises and administers funds to support:
  • College scholarships for Kenosha K-12 students
  • Classroom grants to support K-12 teachers
• Commitment:
  • Attend four board meetings per year
  • Promote and attend fundraising events
  • Participate on one subcommittee
• INTERESTED? Send your resume and a letter of interest to Stacy Busby at sbusby@kusd.edu or 3600 52nd St., Kenosha, WI 53144
• Learn more about the EFK at educationfoundationkenosha.org​

Everything Under the Sun

A youth and family activity guide of things to do in the Kenosha area.

• Everything Under the Sun 2020-23 (PDF)

FoodShares Benefits

• Families with FoodShares benefits: Use your EBT card at Kenosha HarborMarket and Westosha Market
• More information

Girl Scouts: Robot Building Party - Jan. 4, 11 & 25

Bring a friend, make new ones, and build a ROBOT with GIRL SCOUTS—it’s all FREE!

More information:

• Jan. 4, 2021 (PDF)
• Jan. 11, 2021 (PDF)
• Jan. 25, 2021 (PDF)

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project - Water Safety Resources

• The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is a nonprofit 501c3 corporation that is about saving lives through water safety advocacy and drowning survival strategies.
• Videos
  • WGN Chicago’s Very Own segment, “Man makes water safety education his life’s passion”
  • Dave Benjamin’s drowning accident and ‘Because I said I would’ water safety promise video
  • John & Kathy Kocher’s “Gentle Giant” ‘Because I said I would promise video.

Kenosha Community Health Center

• You can get your child's physical, shots and sick visit done at Kenosha Community Health Center, Inc. with convenient locations and same day appointments with Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioners. Let us help you maintain great oral health by utilizing preventative dentistry, which helps you and your family avoid cavities, gum diseases and more. Our dentists are dedicated to keeping your teeth healthy.
• Flier (PDF)

Kenosha Public Library

• We offer tons of free activities for children, adults, and families all year round!
• KPL website event calendar​​

Mayor’s Youth Commission Award

The Mayor’s Youth Commission is dedicated to the recognition of outstanding youth of Kenosha. The program seeks to recognize youth in our community under the age of 21 for their activities or achievements, ranging from helping others to helping themselves.

The Commission will review nominations based on the youth’s activities or accomplishments in community service, safety, patriotism, environmental concern, sports, volunteerism, church activities, and/or outstanding academic success.

Awards are given on a quarterly basis. All award winners will receive a congratulatory certificate from the Mayor and will be invited to a Common Council meeting to receive their award from the Mayor and Common Council President.

• More information - deadline dates, judging details (PDF)
• Nomination form (Word)

Scholarships from the Educational Foundation of Kenosha

Applications due by March 15, 2021.

More information can be found at educationfoundationkenosha.org/scholarships

• Don Hoferitza Memorial Scholarship
• Playford V. Thorson, III Family Memorial Scholarship (For McKinley, Lincoln, or Washington Middle School)
• Adam Gundlach Memorial Scholarship
• Education Foundation Scholarship (All Majors)
• Education Foundation Scholarship (Education Majors)
• Emma Nepper Memorial Scholarship
• Harry & Laverne Brookhouse Scholarship
• Mary Zicarelli Memorial Scholarship
• Peter Ploskee, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
• Victoria Jones Memorial Scholarship
• Tremper Booster Club Scholarship
• Olivia MacKay College Study Abroad Memorial Scholarship
• Olivia MacKay High School Study Abroad Memorial Scholarship
• Noelle Naylor Memorial Scholarship

Sylvan Learning Center of Kenosha

• Guidelines and offerings during COVID-19 (PDF)
• Call Sylvan and set up a free advanced reading assessment to find your effective reading rate.
  • More information (PDF)​

UW-Milwaukee Italian Early College Credit Program

• The Early College Credit Program at UWM allows students to get a head start on college by earning college credit while still enrolled in high school.
• This is a great opportunity for Juniors and Seniors in WI High Schools to get early college credit and to study "la Bella lingua Italiana".
• More information - Early College Credit Program (PDF)