Purpose

Woodcraft Rangers has been a pioneer in the development of quality after-school programs. Many of the communities served by Woodcraft Rangers have very few structured activities available to youth during afternoon hours. The Nvision After School Program provides activities that are both academically enriching and recreational.  As young people involved discover new interests and engage in positive community activities, they build character and find new ways to learn. The program’s goals are to enhance personal growth and academic achievement by offering positive alternatives during the afternoon hours when young people are more vulnerable to negative peer pressures and at-risk behaviors. The program provides a wide range of activities that offer young people (ages
6 – 18) a safe, supervised place to be after the final school bell rings.  The program enables students to develop socials skills, gain self-esteem, enhance academic performance, and improve attitudes toward school.

Program

The Nvision After School Program is part of a formal collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District, Garvey School District, and other recreation and educational institutions. Woodcraft Rangers currently operates its Nvision After School Program at 44 sites. 

The year-round program meets on school campuses five days a week, immediately after dismissal until 5:30pm or 6:00pm.  The program begins with a 45-minute homework clinic where students receive hands-on assistance in completing assignments and establishing good study habits.  The homework clinic is followed by a 20-minute fitness activity and a nutritious snack. Club leaders then engage members in a variety of enriching club activities, introducing a broad range of fun themes, while, at the same time, incorporating state academic standards and reinforcing classroom learning. Nvision After School Clubs are implemented in 8-week cycles, and typically meet 3 to 5 days a week.  Students are encouraged to join two different clubs each cycle in order to expose them to diverse experiences over the course of the school year. Students work on specific skills or techniques each time the club meets, and achieve mastery by working on projects that span all 8 weeks.

Woodcraft Rangers organizes recognition events at the conclusion of each club cycle, which encourage parents, faculty and other students to celebrate children's accomplishments. These events may include an exhibit, a team competition, a performance, or an awards ceremony. For many Nvision members, these events are unique opportunities to stand out from the crowd in a positive way. The Nvision program is also supplemented by field trips to educational, cultural and recreational venues, introducing students to the myriad of resources available in the greater Los Angeles area. 

A professional evaluation of the Nvision After School Program was recently completed by Lodestar Management/Research for the 2003-2004 program year, which documented the significant benefits for students involved.