In the wake of unprecedented disruptions in education over the past few years, afterschool programs have emerged as a safe refuge to help youth rediscover their place, purpose, and presence amidst a drastically altered school landscape. By nurturing a sense of belonging through inclusive program design, Woodcraft Rangers ensures that all youth feel heard, valued, and connected to their personal and educational journeys. Through intentional and collaborative partnerships that leverage local and statewide resources, a holistic system of support is the key to reigniting student interest in learning and facilitating a confident return to the classroom.
According to EdSource, a study of 30 districts statewide conducted in 2023 highlighted a concerning trend of rising chronic absenteeism among public school students. Prior to the pandemic, only 13.5% of students were classified as chronically absent. However, by March 2023, this figure had surged to nearly a third, meaning that as of late March, nearly 33% of students had already missed 10% or more of the school year. Moreover, the Public Policy Institute of California has reported that “Students with disabilities, those from low-income families, and English Learners had higher rates of chronic absenteeism — 41%, 37%, and 35%, respectively — than the statewide average.”
Addressing this challenge through isolated efforts is not enough. It demands comprehensive, holistic systems of support that cater to diverse needs to generate true impact in communities, and this is precisely where Woodcraft Rangers excels.
Established in 1922 in Los Angeles on principles of access and inclusion, Woodcraft Rangers has been committed to providing five generations of Angeleno young people with safe places to explore, learn, and connect, regardless of their background or beliefs. For over a century, our tailored programs have served schools across LA County, offering youth opportunities for personal growth, academic success, and positive development through attentive community listening and continuous innovation. As the needs of our communities evolve, so must our approach. Since schools reopened, Woodcraft has remained at the forefront of innovation and recognizes that a holistic, expanded learning partnership is pivotal in driving enhanced youth participation and re-engagement. Through collaboration and intentional use of local and statewide resources, Woodcraft Rangers have implemented the following strategies that have demonstrated success: offering inclusion support for students with disability, facilitating immersive outdoor education experiences, and prioritizing investments in early learning initiatives.
INCLUSION
In 2023, Woodcraft initiated a groundbreaking partnership with LA County regional centers to empower youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Through funding provided by the CA Department of Developmental Services, Woodcraft Rangers created a first-of-its-kind Inclusion Team, comprised of a Director and a team of Inclusion Specialists. This year alone, Woodcraft has provided essential training in inclusion best practices to almost 1,000 staff members and provided individual supports to dozens of young people, and we work collaboratively with school day staff and families to ensure gains made after school translate to the classroom and home.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Designed in collaboration between Woodcraft’s inclusion, outdoor education and learning and development teams, Woodcraft Rangers recently partnered with a local school district to offer a three-day program speci cally for students identi ed as having the greatest need for re-engagement due a variety of reasons including acute trauma, learning loss and behavior challenges.
Students engaged in meaningful, trauma-informed conversations during trail hikes and developed trust through team-building activities such as the low ropes course. These outdoor experiences not only allowed participants to deepen their friendships and challenge themselves but also provided them with a profound sense of belonging and connection. Following these experiences, school principals have also reported that their students returned from spring break with a revitalized enthusiasm for school, demonstrating improved connections with their peers and increased engagement in classroom activities throughout the school day.
EARLY LEARNING
Paralleling California’s ambitious statewide rollout of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Woodcraft Rangers acknowledges that developmentally appropriate and engaging afterschool programs are critical to the initiative’s success and subsequent enrollment. To address this need, Woodcraft established an early learning team led by an Early Education Manager and Early Learning Associates alongside staff equipped with early childhood education expertise. Understanding the unique requirements of TK/K students, Woodcraft Rangers prioritizes lower student-to-instructor ratios to facilitate quality interaction and care. Additionally, age-appropriate curriculum and tailored training programs are designed to support the developmental needs and abilities of our youngest participants.
Currently, Woodcraft Rangers has 85 specially trained Jr. Rangers staff serving over 800 TK/K students. While we know that high-quality afterschool programs have a positive impact on attendance and student retention, their effectiveness relies on both dynamic, student-responsive programming and trusted relationships with staff. In addition to prioritizing inclusion and early learning, Woodcraft Rangers boasts an enrichment catalogue of over 100 clubs spanning arts, STEM, sports, and leadership. Developed over the past four decades, this extensive offering provides endless possibilities for student engagement and exploration. Furthermore, Woodcraft’s industry-leading 4% staffing vacancy, even having cleared every waitlist at our over 110 LA County partner schools, underscores our commitment to maintaining continuity of mentorship that pays dividends for students in the classroom and beyond.
Julee Babar Brooks is CEO at Woodcraft Rangers. Read the article in the Los Angeles Business Journal.