A Season of Connection: December 2025 at Kids Club Surprise
December at the Kids Club Surprise, provided by funding from SYF in partnership with the Dysart Community Center, was defined by a spirit of generosity and growth. From academic support in our after-school programs to the joy of our annual holiday celebrations, our community came together to ensure every child and teen felt supported.
Below are the highlights from our December 2025 report.
The After-School Program: Growing Together
Our Surprise aftercare site continues to be a hub of activity and peer-to-peer support. In December, we saw 44 youth registered with a steady daily attendance. A key highlight of the month has been watching our students take initiative by helping one another with homework, creating a truly supportive learning environment.
By the Numbers:
* 44 Youth registered for the Surprise site.
* 24 Students registered for aftercare transportation.
* 28 Volunteer hours dedicated to the program this month.
Every Monday, our youth enjoy structured gym time before heading to the Senior Center, where they participate in daily activities that bridge the generations in our community.
The Annual Christmas Celebration: A Meaningful Impact
On December 19, the DCC hosted its Annual Christmas Celebration, and the children from KCS were in attendance. Thanks to two successful wrapping parties and the incredible generosity of individual donors and community organizations, every child and family in attendance received the support they needed.
Picture of Kids with Santa
The event featured a variety of festive activities, including:
* A hot cocoa station staffed by dedicated volunteers.
* Face painting and a dedicated arts and crafts room.
* Special appearances and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
* A community meal with hotdogs, chips, and volunteer-donated baked goods.
The true impact of this event was felt in the stories shared by our families. One mother expressed her deep gratitude, sharing that she felt moved to tears because the food boxes arrived just as her family was struggling to make ends meet.
Empowering Teens: The Love Notes Cohort
Our Teen Program achieved a major milestone this month with the completion of the Love Notes cohort at both the Surprise and El Mirage sites. This 14-hour curriculum, delivered by the Empowering Youth Prevention Program, focuses on essential life skills for youth ages 12 through 19.
Participants explored critical topics such as:
* Effective communication.
* Healthy decision-making.
* Relationship-building skills.
Instructors noted that the teens were exceptionally respectful, attentive, and actively involved throughout the workshop. Feedback from both parents and teens indicated that the program was highly engaging and well-organized. At the Surprise site specifically, 9 teens registered for the program with 5 successfully completing the full cohort.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of our youth and grateful for the volunteers and donors who make this work possible. Your time and contributions are what allow SYF and DCC to remain a cornerstone of support for families in the Surprise OTS and the region.
View the Christmas gallery over at the DCC facebook page