Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver came alive with celebrations in honor of Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month. This special time provided an opportunity for Club members to explore the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The festivities across Denver's Clubs reflected a deep connection to this heritage, filled with joy, learning, and pride.
At Sunset Ridge Boys & Girls Club, the days leading up to the celebration were spent in creative preparation. Members colored and crafted decorations representing various elements of Hispanic culture, from traditional food and clothing to flags of Spanish-speaking countries. Their handiwork adorned the Club, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the main event. Families came together for a potluck, sharing dishes, desserts, and Mexican candies. The Club set up a nacho bar, bringing the community together to celebrate with food and fun.
Boston Boys & Girls Club took its members on a cultural journey, allowing them to experience the diverse traditions of Latin American nations. Through culinary exploration, kids "traveled" to different countries, sampling delicious treats like pumpkin empanadas, arroz con leche, tostones, pupusas de frijol, and dulce de leche. These experiences gave the members a taste of new worlds without ever leaving the Club, fostering curiosity and connection to their roots.
At Crawford Boys & Girls Club, cooking took center stage as students prepared three different meals from Latin countries. Members made tostadas from Mexico, tostones with salsa verde from Venezuela, and fresas con crema from Colombia. To enhance the cultural experience, the Club watched movies like Viva and Encanto, connecting food to the countries' cinematic traditions. The focus was on how food plays an essential role in Latin culture, bringing people together and serving as a source of pride. At the end of the day, everyone gathered to try the dishes made by their friends and families at the Club.
One of the most exciting moments of the month was the launch of the Kids Culinary Camp in partnership with Tamayo restaurant. This unique program immersed members in the art of Mexican cuisine, with the cooking class taught in Spanish by Tamayo’s head Chef Richard Sandoval. Club members learned how to make traditional dishes, including their own specialty guacamole. The Kids Culinary Camp was a delicious way to engage members in cultural celebration while honing their skills in the kitchen.
Throughout the month, these activities highlighted the importance of embracing and celebrating identity, culture, and community. Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was a time of joy, creativity, and shared experiences, and we are grateful to everyone who made it possible. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate the diversity and richness of our Club members in the future!