A weekday off from middle school is more than a fun day for GCC students

By Ella Wubben, GCC LOFT program coordinator

Middle school programming at the Goodman Community Center is not only about supporting students inside and outside of the classroom, but also about creating meaningful connections and a strong sense of community when students are out of school for the day. A key goal of our middle school programming is to work alongside youth to intentionally develop their social emotional learning, especially during times when school is not in session.

On days during the school year when students do not have school, Goodman staff create structured opportunities for youth to engage with one another, explore new environments and build confidence outside of their usual routines. These daytime experiences have included ice skating, bowling, going to movies, visiting the mall and spending time outdoors at Picnic Point. Each outing is thoughtfully planned to encourage relationship-building, emotional growth and positive peer interaction.

These shared experiences give youth the chance to practice essential social emotional skills in real-world settings. Whether students are learning to support one another while ice skating, collaborating and problem-solving during a game of bowling or navigating choices and independence at the mall, they are developing communication skills, self-awareness and empathy. At Picnic Point, time spent outdoors offers space for reflection, teamwork and appreciation for nature, contributing to both emotional well-being and connection.

Having the youth spend time together during the day outside traditional after-school hours has proven to be a valuable opportunity to explore the world beyond Goodman. These outings help youth feel more connected to the community around them and more comfortable engaging with new environments.

By experiencing these spaces together, students build a sense of belonging not only with their peers, but also within the broader community.

Equally impactful is the way these experiences strengthen relationships between youth and staff. Without the structure and pressure of the school day, staff can connect with students in more personal and authentic ways. These moments allow for deeper conversations, trust-building and mentorship that support students’ social and emotional growth.