Inside Out Club Programs

Live – Virtual character building and volunteer activities for kids

Virtual program for K-3rd graders, 8 interactive, hands-on episodes each season to build character and more! Includes a Junior Leader program for 4th-5th graders.

In Schools – On hold due to COVID

35+ schools with more than 2,000 kids in K-5th grades a year. As of summer 2020, this program is on-hold due to the pandemic.

On Weekends – Family, friendly volunteering

About 20 events a year for families with kids ages 3-12. Currently, events are offered virtually and in person with social distancing. 

Resources for Parents, Educators & the Community

@Home

online resource filled with 300+ books, videos and projects 

Through Community

nonprofits we partner with in our school and weekend programs 

What makes the Inside Out Club unique is our Integrated Curriculum

Our curriculum combines social and emotional learning (SEL) with volunteerism. SEL helps people recognize and manage emotions, develop empathy for others, maintain cooperative relationships and make responsible decisions. The curriculum aims to 1) provide kids and families opportunities to develop and practice character skills, 2) broaden individuals’ perspective of the community through education on the social causes, and to 3) empower children and families to make their community better.

Character Skills – Practicing these 8 character skills translates into measurable positive outcomes.

Social Causes – Knowledge and understanding of key social issues increases a child’s sense of community and self.

Connection to Nonprofit Organizations – Children and parents believe they can create change and are empowered to help others.

Inside Out Club takes a comprehensive approach to helping develop kids with character by incorporating these three elements in all four Inside Out Club opportunities where everyone can participate.

Kids who practice these skills:

Acceptance

  • Proactively include others
  • Allow others to belong unconditionally
  • Value others for who they are

Collaboration

  • Listen and speak with others to contribute to group success
  • Actively support and inspire
  • Engage positively, patiently and productively with others

Curiosity

  • Demonstrate an active interest in learning
  • Are brave enough to ask questions
  • Are fearless innovators

Empathy

  • Understand what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes
  • Demonstrate compassion
  • Help others through service

Gratitude

  • Demonstrate a genuine appreciation for life’s gifts
  • Recognize and focus on the positives
  • Model gratitude to impact others

Kindness

  • Put others’ needs before individual wants
  • Value sharing, selflessness, generosity and compassion
  • Care for themselves, others, animals and the environment

Perseverance

  • Show grit, resilience and determination when facing challenges or the unexpected
  • Have a growth mindset
  • Follow through on commitments with grace and integrity

Self-Awareness

  • Embrace their authentic selves
  • Demonstrate healthy coping skills with social and emotional maturity
  • Work to understand their biases, feelings and motivations to make good choices

Embracing Humanity

Connecting to people for who they are and recognizing how we are all the same.

Protecting Our Planet

Working to keep our planet safe and healthy for generations to come.

Meeting Basic Needs

Understanding needs (food, shelter, clean water, transportation and literacy) versus wants.

Developing Self-Awareness / Character

Building the skills necessary to be a good person and thrive.

Being Socially Responsible

Having a desire and sense of responsibility to care for others and the planet.

Supporting Troops & Veterans

Valuing those who serve our country.

Nonprofits Inside Out Club DuPage Highlights:

  • Bernie’s Book Bank
  • Blessings in a Backpack
  • Celebrate Differences
  • Clean Water Project
  • The Conservation Foundation
  • DuPage Pads
  • DuPage Senior Council – Meals on Wheels
  • DuPage United
  • Family Focus Aurora
  • DuPage Forest Preserve
  • Giant Steps School
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Honor Flight Chicago
  • Literacy DuPage
  • Loaves & Fishes CARES
  • Loaves & Fishes Community Services
  • Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
  • NAMI DuPage
  • Naperville Area Humane Society
  • Operation Drive
  • Operation Support Our Troops
  • People’s Resource Center
  • Phil’s Friends
  • Ripple Kindness Project
  • Ronald McDonald Family Room
  • SCARCE
  • Special Olympics Illinois
  • Special Spaces
  • The GardenWorks Project
  • Trees that Feed Foundation
  • West Suburban Community Pantry
  • Willowbrook Wildlife Center
  • World Relief DuPage/Aurora