BGCA’s Director of Programs and Innovation Alexis Watson is back on ClubX just in time for the best season… SUMMER! 🌞
I’ve been thinking about the magic of summer lately. Not just the fireflies and popsicles, but how these sun-filled months offer something increasingly rare: unstructured time to simply be ourselves.
Summer invites us to explore identity and self-expression in ways the structured school year doesn’t always allow. This reminds me of Wilbur, the clothes-loving protagonist in Mo Willems’ “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed.” There’s something wonderful about a naked mole rat who dares to wear clothes, isn’t there?
Learning during the summer has always seemed like a contradiction. We want to continue growing intellectually while recognizing our deep desire for freedom after months of structure and routine.
What if there’s a middle path- where learning doesn’t come from worksheets but from the courage to explore identity? Wilbur didn’t learn self-expression from a textbook. He simply followed his joy—even when every naked mole rat responded with a bewildered “Why?”
His response—”Why not?”—makes for a perfect summer mantra. Why not wear mismatched socks? Why not build a fort that stays up for a week? Why not embrace the unexpected?
I’ll admit something: I’m not naturally brave. I like routines and predictability. I color-code my calendar.
But summer’s possibilities remind me that courage often looks like small choices: wearing the bright patterned shirt that makes you happy or voicing an opinion that differs from the group.
This summer, we can all embrace our inner Wilburs with “Why Not Wednesdays.” Each Wednesday might bring something that makes us slightly uncomfortable but potentially joyful—like trying a new art technique despite claiming to “hate art,” or cooking without a recipe (a concept that fills many of us with both terror and intrigue).
What I love most about Willems’ story is Grand-pah, the groups wise leader. Instead of immediately ruling against Wilbur’s clothing choices, he tries on clothes himself. His willingness to experience something new before judging it changes everything.
We can all channel our inner Grand-pah. When faced with unusual ideas, our instinct might be an immediate “no.” Instead, what if we said, “Hmm, I wonder what that’s like?” The delight in such experiments is worth taking the chance.
Bringing “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” to Life
If Wilbur’s courage inspires you, Club staff can check out BGCA’s new Summer Brain Gain module centered around this wonderful book. This week-long module designed for youth ages 6-9 offers engaging, skill-based activities that help children understand courage in practical ways:
- Session 1: What’s That? A Naked Mole Rat! – Learn fascinating facts about these unique creatures while creating a “naked mole rat tunnel.”
- Session 2: What Do You Love?– Explore the courage it takes to share your passions with others, just like Wilbur shared his love of clothes.
- Session 3: Facing Fears– Discover how Wilbur faced his challenges and participate in group activities that build bravery.
- Session 4: Doing the Right Thing – Learn from Grand-pah’s example of supporting others, even when it’s difficult.
- Session 5: You Can Count on Me! – Practice being a supportive friend to those showing courage.
Looking Forward by Looking Inward
As summer progresses, maybe we can focus less on academic readiness and more on strengthening our sense of self. A child who knows who they are and has practiced the courage to express it carries an advantage no workbook can provide.
So here’s to a summer of self-discovery and finding the courage to answer “Why?” with a confident “Why not?” If a naked mole rat can rock a sweater vest and bow tie, imagine what we all might do when given the freedom to truly express ourselves.
Because FUN is one of the Five Key Elements for Positive Youth Development, there’s a BONUS SESSION on ClubPrograms.org that gives instructions and a supply list for throwing a story party! While watching the movie Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, available on Youtube, youth will show of their style by decorating t-shirts and having a wacky and weird snack. 🙂
How do you help youth build essential skills like courage and self-expression? What are your favorite summer activities? Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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