Edgerton Afterschool Program saddles up for fun, learning

When kids get dropped off at the Edgerton Explorit Center on Wednesdays, they are excited to partake in an afternoon of fun and learning in the Edgerton Afterschool Program.
Now in its 13th year, the program has made a significant impact on participating students, said Edgerton Executive Director Mary Molliconi. 
“Since the program’s launch in 2012, the Edgerton team has had the joy of watching many afterschool participants grow up within the program,” Molliconi said. “Students often continue as middle school volunteers, then move into paid high school mentor positions -- helping teach afterschool sessions and assisting with Edgerton’s summer camps. These students help create camp topics, develop curriculum and lead activities for younger learners.”
Afterschool Program coordinator Shawna Vinkenberg shared that the afterschool program provides a place for students to engage with activities beyond the classroom. 
“On Wednesdays, the Aurora Public Schools dismiss early so the After School Program fills a need in our community, providing kids a safe and fun place to learn and grow alongside their peers,” Vinkenberg said.
Vinkenberg said students participate in activities based on Edgerton’s STEAM model.
“Kids have ongoing opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering, art (and mathematics) sessions,” Vinkenberg said. “Weekly, the kids circulate through three or four different stations experiencing a wide variety of activities that engage their minds and bodies... Each week the kids are involved in activities that move their bodies and stimulate their minds through science, art, literature and interactive games... They also have a great opportunity to enjoy the ExploreIT and DiscoverIT Centers for free play time at the Edgerton.”
Along with providing healthy snacks and physical activities to keep the kids healthy and engaged, Molliconi said the Edgerton offers field trips throughout the community and beyond.
“Once a month, students enjoy an enrichment field trip, with destinations that have included the pumpkin patch, horseback riding, skating, the movie theater, bowling and even participating in the homecoming parade float,” Molliconi said. “Each trip provides opportunities students might not otherwise experience and strengthens their connection to the community.”
Vinkenberg said the activities encourage students to step out of their comfort zones to try something new.
“Many of the activities are things that they’ve never experienced or encountered before,” Vinkenberg said. “It’s rewarding for kids to grow in their confidence as they work alongside friends ... and realize that with time and practice, they can do things they’ve never tried before.”
One of the recent activities students got to participate in was horseback riding at Molliconi’s home on Wednesday, Oct. 1. While waiting for their turn to ride, students could work on coloring pages or test their skills with a toy archery set.
One of the mentors assisting with the session was Arley McEndarfer, a homeschool freshman who guided students on a horse inside Molliconi’s new indoor riding arena.
During the summer, Arley assisted in teaching students about horses and helped them learn how to ride them independently.
“We go over anatomy at least one day of the week,” McEndarfer said. “Then we teach kids how to saddle the horses, how to take care of them and brush them. For our advanced horse camps, by the end of the week, we want the kids to be able to ride by themselves.”
As a mentor, McEndarfer enjoys interacting with students in the summer camps and Afterschool Program.
“It’s a lot of fun,” McEndarfer said. “I love working with them, so it’s been a great experience. They’re always ready to learn and have fun. It can get crazy sometimes, but it’s great.”
Also helping out with the horseback riding was McEndarfer’s brother, Mike, a seventh grader who began working at the Edgerton as a middle school volunteer.
“I’ve been in the horse camp, so that made me want to be around horses,” Mike said.
In his first year as a volunteer, he shared his sister’s excitement in seeing students develop a love for the horses, just as he had, and trying new things along with them.
“It’s been fun,” he said. “I’ve been able to do more things.”
Other fun activities students can look forward to this year include the Edgerton’s second Halloween Glow Party, a Hot Wheels March Madness Tournament, roller skating in York, sculpting Model Magic “create-ures” and a trip to Pete’s Safari in Grand Island later in the spring.
“It’s a joy giving kids opportunities to get outside and simply enjoy the world around them,” Vinkenberg said. “Throughout the beautiful late summer or early fall days, the kids have enjoyed time at our local parks and we also took a field trip to Kids Kingdom Park in Grand Island where they played tug of war, flag tag, corn hole, limbo games, as well as play time on available equipment, which are all outdoor favorites.”
Molliconi expressed her own joy in seeing the significant impact on students who return to grow in their love of science and learning.
“For me, this is the most rewarding part of the program -- seeing students grow, learn and come full circle from participants to mentors to leaders,” Molliconi said. “It’s a living example of how the Edgerton Afterschool Program continues to inspire curiosity and confidence year after year.”
“The program is full for this year, but interested parents can contact me to get on a waitlist for the 2026-27 year,” Vinkenberg said.
Families can check out the Afterschool Program by visiting the Edgerton’s website at edgerton.org.