Programs
Wolf Pack Afterschool Program for Students in K-5
Monday through Friday 2:50 pm – 5:30 pm. Students meet and are picked up in the Commons Area/Cafeteria. Pick-up window is from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
An opportunity for students to receive help with reading, math, and homework assignments, play outside together, and create art projects. Leadership development, community service, learning opportunities, and relationship building is woven into the program. An afterschool snack is provided.
Community volunteers help! Students benefit from and appreciate relationships with these adults who are so generous with their time and talent in tutoring or helping with art projects.
Jane Dandron and Lauren Porthan coordinate the Wolf Pack Afterschool Program. We also have help from MN North - Vermilion Campus students when their schedule allows.
Please contact jane@elycommunityresource.org if you are interested in your child participating or if you are interested in volunteering.
Call 365-5254 if you are interested in being part of our volunteer tutor group.
Homework Help for Middle and High School
The middle and high school students meet Tuesday & Thursday 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2:00 - 4:00pm in the ECR room located in the Memorial High School near the gym. Math Whiz Jeff Kemmer and former Ely math teacher Anna Thompson also help out on a volunteer basis nearly every day and can handle any math problem!
A snack is served, and the very regular attendance is creating “space” for good relationships to develop.
Excellent communication with school staff and parents has also been a boost to effectiveness.Jill Swanson coordinates Homework Help.
Please contact Jill Swanson if you are interested in getting your child extra help.
In-School Help
ECR Staff are available in the former Memorial School principal’s office during the school day. This is a safe, comfortable space for students to connect with ECR staff and receive academic, social or emotional help. This activity takes place at the request of school staff or parents and as the student’s schedule allows.
Middle and High School Clubs
Ryan Stewart facilitates the following clubs for kids in grades 5-12.
Video Production Club meets on a weekly basis to make films and learn editing skills. Todd Crego and Curt Laine have mentored the start of the group at Cyko Art. This fall, new software in the school’s computer lab will add capacity and efficiency!
Game Night including the new Rubik’s Cube Club (organized and led by our kids) happens every Tuesday at the Rec Center. Chess, table tennis, pool, and Dungeons and Dragons are popular pastimes.
Outdoor Club holds meetings at the Ely Rec Center, but they are more often out and about! The Outdoor Club usually meets every other week.
Mentoring Youth Program
Our mentoring program focuses on matching youth with a caring adult who will connect with them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Each Mentor/Mentee pair is unique – the relationship is catered towards the youth’s individual needs. Some pairs focus on trying new activities while others focus on processing and goal setting. We will help you develop a relationship that helps you grow.
If you are a youth interested in being matched with a mentor – please fill out this application
If you are a parent interested in finding a mentor for your child – please fill out this application
If you are interested in becoming a mentor – please submit this application
Ryan Stewart coordinates the Mentoring Program – call him at 218-365-5254 with any questions!
Key Club International
Key Club Members in grades 7-12 participate in activities.
Key Club is a student-led international organization whose goal is to encourage leadership through serving others.
Key Club Projects have included:
Trick or Treat for UNICEF - Start Strong Zambia and Project Eliminate
March of Dimes
The Thirst Project
Crafts for the Nursing Home and Assisted Living Residents
The Heart Project for the American Heart Association
Disaster Relief Fundraisers
Highway Clean-ups
Helping fellow students and families
Other projects that drive students’ passions
Jill Swanson is our club advisor, and meetings are held in person at Ely Community Resource on Monday evenings. Occasional weekend meetings allow for more time to plan and organize events.
Ely Kiwanis Club supports the Club’s efforts.
Making Thanksgiving themed placemats for residents at Carefree Living and Boundary Waters Care Center
Egg dying for Easter with Carefree Living residents
Delicious dinner after Team Building at Camp Widjiwagan
Summer Enrichment Program for Students in 1st-5th Grades
ECR is hosting Summer Enrichment Programming from June 12 – August 3rd.
Our program will run from Monday – Thursday. We will also be collaborating with The Ely Folk School to offer Kid’s Makers Mornings on Fridays for kids 3-6 and 7-12 (register for that program here).
From 9am – Noon we will have morning activities for incoming 1st – 3rd graders.
From 1pm – 4pm we will offer afternoon activities for incoming 3rd – 5th graders.
Please fill out the Summer Enrichment Application Here!
Enrichment Programs
Opportunities such as The Water Project, Tree Brigade, Children’s Garden and Afternoon Adventures are offered for local youth to expand their horizons in art, fitness, and nature/science. Students have summer and winter opportunities to learn from and work alongside caring and knowledgeable adult mentors. For all ages.
The Ely Water Project is ongoing. Supported by grants from St. Louis and Lake County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the water project collaborates with the Burntside Lake Association, Minnesota North College, and other lake associations. Students collect data on aquatic invasive species, native inhabitants, and water chemistry in area lakes.
The Summer Program. These programs change with needs and availabilities. In 2022, it included Garden Club, Art Club, Eco Club, Healthy Kids Club, Field Trips and Makers Mornings on Fridays at the Ely Folk School.
Northland Foundation funding provides support for Reading Pals, which offers volunteer adult “pals” to help elementary students practice reading skills. Call ECR at 365-5254 for more information.
Free Little Libraries can be found at the ECR Office and at the Children’s Garden. Our libraries are books for kids.