Building Stronger, Healthier Communities
As summer approaches, many families look forward to a well-earned break from the busy school year. But with long, unstructured days ahead, it’s important to remember that keeping kids active and engaged during the summer months plays a crucial role in their well-being—and in the overall health of our community.
Summer break offers children a vital opportunity for rest and exploration, but without structured activities, it can also leave them vulnerable to boredom, isolation, and risky behaviors. By keeping kids engaged in positive, community-centered programs—such as sports leagues, arts camps, volunteer projects, and educational workshops—families can provide not only stimulation and socialization but also a sense of purpose. These programs create a safe environment where young people can build skills, discover interests, and strengthen their sense of belonging, all while staying active and supervised during the long, unstructured months away from school.
At 21 Wellness Coalition, our mission is to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to live healthy, substance-free lives. We believe that prevention starts by creating strong community ties and offering meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive. Studies consistently show that youth involved in organized, positive activities are less likely to engage in substance use, delinquency, and other high-risk behaviors. Programs that offer mentorship, positive peer connections, and skill-building experiences help foster resilience and support healthy development.
By investing in accessible, enriching summer opportunities for all kids, we help strengthen the fabric of our communities—building a future where young people are supported, connected, and empowered to make healthy choices. This summer, let’s work together to keep our kids busy, engaged, and inspired.
Here are some links to summer programs:
Double AACES
https://newcastle21cclcprograms.weebly.com/21-cclc-summer-rec-information.html
Bobcat Adventures Programs
https://www.weston7.org/page/bobcat-adventures
Weston County Extension
https://wyoextension.org/westoncounty/
Weston County Library- summer reading program information
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067945251141
Upton Pool- pool hours and information
https://www.facebook.com/upton.pool.5
Kozisek Aquatic Center (Newcastle)- pool hours and swim lesson information
https://www.wcsd1.org/apps/pages/Aquatic_Center
Newcastle Middle School Open Gym Schedule
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1148419700419522&set=a.521249956469836
Newcastle Summer Book Mobile
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1215117070625150&set=a.483238410479690
Christ the King Lutheran Church VBS
Call 746-2415 for registration info.
Bobcat Basketball Camp
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10228645211744152&set=g.116290675167341
Contact Joe Samuelson at 605-641-7314 for more info.
Nets & Sets Basketball & Volleyball Camp- Upton
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10165401658818677&set=pcb.9603003913162589
Contact Myla Mills at 307-949-0262 for more info.
Upton VBS
Contact Carissa Bland at 618-335-4055 for more info.
Upton Branch Library
https://www.facebook.com/uptonbranchlibrary
Weston County Friends of Fair Gymkhanas
https://www.facebook.com/WestonCoFOF
Contact Megan Stith at 814-320-1943 for more info.
Non-Structured Activities
Hiking Trail Maps
https://www.wcsd1.org/apps/pages/Trails
Wyoming Quality Counts
https://wyqualitycounts.org/explorers-club/
Newcastle City Parks
https://www.newcastlewyoming.com/parks-recreation
Anna Miller Museum (Newcastle) & Red Onion Museum (Upton)