Inside Out Club offers virtual activities to teach kids social, emotional skills

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about tension, uncertainty and fatigue. Inside Out Club is on a mission to tackle those challenges head on with their new virtual model.

Beginning Sept. 27, kids in kindergarten to third grade will have access to eight weeks of hands-on, interactive episodes of Inside Out Club Live featuring activities and volunteer service opportunities focused on social and emotional skills.

In times of uncertainty and change, children thrive when empowered through strength of character and a sense of responsibility for others. Throughout the one-hour episodes, Inside Out Club staff and volunteers will work with small groups of 15 children to teach character traits like kindness, acceptance, empathy and collaboration.

“At Inside Out Club we believe that by focusing on core character traits we can help kids and families better problem solve, express empathy, embrace humanity and strategize for the future – even as COVID-19 and other challenges present themselves,” Marion Ruthig, founder of Inside Out Club, said.

Inside Out Club Live is being offered at multiple times after school, in the evening and on Sunday afternoons. Each eight-week session is $120 ($15/week) and there are full and partial waivers available for families in need. Families that register by Aug. 15 will save $20.

“Inside Out Club Live is a thoughtful, engaging platform that, in addition to keeping the kids' attention through a genius blend of videos and live content, will instill all of the values that made us love Inside Out club in the first place," said Christina Hynes Mesco, Inside Out Club parent and volunteer. "The kids get much-needed connection with peers and community charities … with the bonus of seeing the adorable hedgehog, Dorito! We can't wait to participate.”

For more information visit www.insideoutclub.org/Live.

I Support Community NFP, also known as Inside Out Club DuPage, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2012. Its mission is to develop kids with character inside and out. Its vision is individuals and families empowered through strength of character and volunteerism to live fuller lives for generations to come. Inside Out Club DuPage is based in Naperville, and has a full-time executive director and a part-time project coordinator and a part-time community development manager. It relies on volunteers, who are trained by Inside Out Club DuPage. They provide volunteers with the program curriculum and supplies necessary to execute the program for maximum impact and fun!