Why MLK Day Matters for Kids
Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t just a leader—he was a dreamer who believed in fairness, kindness, and the power of community. His words and actions still inspire millions today, reminding us that “The time is always right to do what is right.”
For kids, MLK Day is more than a day off school—it’s a chance to learn what those values mean in everyday life. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, we bring Dr. King’s message to life through programs that teach service, leadership, and respect for others.
Looking for meaningful ways to celebrate MLK Day with your kids? Here are some ideas to make the day impactful—and how our Clubs help kids live these values all year long.
Fun & Meaningful Activities for Kids on MLK Day
Looking for ways to make MLK Day more than just a day off? Here are some simple, impactful ideas to help kids learn about Dr. King’s legacy while having fun:
Volunteer Together
Spend time giving back as a family! Make care packages for those in need or write thank-you notes to community helpers like firefighters, teachers, and healthcare workers.
Read & Reflect
Books are a great way to introduce kids to the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. A few favorites:
- Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
- The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson
- I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Create Art for Change
Grab some markers and poster board! Encourage kids to design art that celebrates kindness, equality, and leadership—values Dr. King stood for.
Attend Local Events
Celebrate with your community! Join the Denver Marade, look for family-friendly service opportunities, or check out the MLK Jr. American Heritage Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show.
These activities help kids understand that leadership and service start with small actions—and they’re fun ways to honor Dr. King’s dream together.
How Boys & Girls Clubs Teach Leadership Every Day
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, leadership isn’t just a lesson—it’s a way of life. Every day, we help kids discover their voices, build confidence, and learn how to make a positive impact in their communities. Through hands-on projects, service opportunities, and mentorship, Club members grow into leaders who care about others and believe in themselves.
Here’s how we do it:
Torch Club (Ages 11–13)
Middle schoolers learn the power of teamwork and service through small-group projects that build character and leadership skills during these formative years.
Keystone Club (Ages 14–18)
Teens take leadership to the next level—planning service-learning projects, fundraising, and advocating for causes that matter to them.
Youth of the Year (Ages 10–18)
Our premier leadership program helps members develop communication skills and confidence through essays, interviews, and advocacy. Winners can advance to city, state, and even national competitions.
These programs turn big dreams into real opportunities. They teach responsibility, empathy, and courage—the same values Dr. King championed.
Take Allison, a vibrant 5th grader at the Denver Broncos Club in Montbello. As Torch Club President, she’s already making a difference. When we asked her what she loves most, she said: “The best part of being President is everything. It is so fun! We do activities and create fundraisers for kids.”
Leadership starts here—and it lasts a lifetime.
Why This Matters: Building Future Leaders
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, we believe every young person deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore who they are. Our Clubs are where confidence grows, where curiosity is celebrated, and where tomorrow’s leaders take their first steps.
Just ask Ray Ray. She first walked into the Denver Broncos Club in Montbello as a curious—and very energetic—5‑year‑old. “I was a walking question mark – loud, curious, and impossible to keep from getting into things,” she remembers with a laugh.
What she found at the Club was a community of caring adults who saw her potential long before she saw it in herself. Staff members nurtured her creativity, helped her direct her energy into leadership, and encouraged her to use her voice.
That support shaped her future in ways she never expected. In 2023, Ray Ray was named Club, City, and Colorado Youth of the Year—an honor reserved for young people who embody strong character, academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service. Her commitment to creating positive change extended beyond the Club, too; she helped lead a March for Peace in Montbello, using her voice to bring the community together.
Now in her 20s, Ray Ray still carries the lessons she learned at the Club.
“I’m currently exploring my next steps as I look at what schools to transfer to for my bachelor’s degree to start my career and pursue a new dream,” she shared.
Her journey is proof of what happens when kids are surrounded by mentors who believe in them. It’s why our character and leadership programs matter—and why Dr. King’s legacy of courage, service, and hope continues to live on through the young leaders in our Clubs today.
Call to Action: Give Your Child a Place to Lead & Grow
If you’re looking for after-school and summer programs in Denver that help kids build confidence, develop leadership skills, and feel supported by caring mentors, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is the perfect place to start.
From kindergarten through high school, our Clubs support kids during the critical hours when they’re not in school. Every day, our Clubs offer a safe, welcoming space where young people can explore their interests, get academic support, build friendships, and grow into leaders—just like the inspiring young people you’ve met in this story. From character and leadership programs to hands‑on learning and fun activities, we’re here to help every child thrive.
If you want your child to be part of a community that believes in their future, we invite you to register for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver today.
Spots fill quickly—sign up now to reserve a place at your local Club!