As summer gets into full swing, vacations, camps, family gatherings, and community events quickly fill our calendars. Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to overlook what makes summer truly special—the memories we create with those around us. Before long, the calendar will turn to September, and families will settle back into school routines and a different pace of life.

This season offers a valuable opportunity to connect with family and friends while enjoying the many amenities our communities have to offer. Whether it is a trip to the local pool, a visit to a museum, attending a community celebration, or simply spending time together outdoors, these experiences often become the stories and traditions that are remembered for years to come. The moments we invest in today help shape the memories our children and grandchildren will carry forward.

As we celebrate the joys of summer, the Golden Belt Community Foundation is also focused on helping build the leaders of tomorrow. Through a new youth philanthropy initiative, students are being given opportunities to engage with local businesses, community leaders, and residents to better understand community needs and identify solutions. The Youth of Tomorrow (YOT) Club encourages students to develop leadership skills through service, fundraising, and community involvement while learning the value of philanthropy and civic engagement.

Great Bend High School is the first school to launch a YOT Club, with additional schools expected to establish chapters throughout the coming year. As you attend local sporting events, festivals, and other community activities this summer, you may begin seeing these students in action as they work to make a positive difference in our region.

We encourage you to support this exciting effort. Thanks to a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation awarded through the Golden Belt Community Foundation, every dollar raised by local YOT clubs will be matched, allowing students to maximize their impact. By investing in today’s youth, we are helping ensure stronger communities and brighter opportunities for future generations.

Enjoy the summer season, make lasting memories with those you love, and join us in supporting the young leaders who are helping shape the future of our communities.

Jason Murray is the executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation.