MARSHFIELD, Wis. — Seventh- and eighth-grade students in Marshfield will soon have a new place to spend time with friends, explore new interests and receive support after the school day ends. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield will launch its first afterschool program at Marshfield Middle School on Sept. 28. The program will operate Monday through Friday and is designed specifically for middle school students. Participants will be able to compete in games and tournaments, prepare teen-focused recipes, take part in STEM challenges and work together to solve real-world problems. The program will also offer art projects using a variety of mediums, sports clubs, recreational competitions, homework help and community service opportunities. Special events and new activities are planned throughout the school year. “We’re really proud to be expanding our programming to middle school students,” said Jessy Herkert, director of Marshfield programming for the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Middle school is such an important time for our youth as they become more independent and start figuring out what interests them. We want to give them a place where they can spend time after school with friends, discover new things, and have positive experiences with their peers and our staff.” The expansion follows growing participation in the Club’s programs for younger children. More than 140 students in grades 2 through 6 participated in its summer program, and more than 70 students are enrolled in the current afterschool program at Lincoln Elementary School. Club leaders say the middle school program will also help introduce local teens to the organization before its planned Teen Center opens in summer 2027. The center will be part of the Boys & Girls Club’s new stand-alone Marshfield facility. By connecting with students now, the organization hopes to build a strong group of teens ready to participate in the future center’s programs and opportunities. Registration for the Marshfield Middle School program is now open, and space is limited. Families may enroll online at marshfieldbgc.org/join or contact Herkert at jessica.herkert@bgclubpc.org. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield opened in summer 2025 and serves more than 200 young people annually through programs centered on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. The Marshfield Club is managed and operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. More information about the organization and ways to support it are available at marshfieldbgc.org