When schools closed on March 13, 2020 education dramatically changed. We had to see things through a new lens, approach teaching, and partnerships in a different way while maintaining the integrity of our school-wide programs. This meant one of Huntington Park High School’s partnerships which provided invaluable opportunities to students had to shift the way things were done.
Woodcraft Rangers provides participants with the opportunity to explore their own interests and develop new skills in STEAM-M, sports, clubs, leadership, and more. Woodcraft Rangers fosters inclusivity for all students connecting and celebrating all backgrounds and capabilities. Staff and students are trained in social-emotional student needs and are aware and mindful of students who may need additional support. Their goal is to find places where students are comfortable, can have fun, and can truly shine! So how did Woodcraft Rangers change? How were they going to continue such a strong program virtually? How could they still meet the needs of the community?
That’s where Jordan Parker, Veronica Granados, and their team stepped up and took Woodcraft Rangers to a whole new level. While many of the programs had to go digital, Woodcraft Rangers looked at various options that maintained interactions and games like pre-recorded activities on YouTube, pods, and zooms. They made signing up for Woodcraft Rangers faster, easier, and more accessible by going digital for parents/guardians at woodcraftrangers.org. Woodcraft Rangers even expanded space for 400 students to join the digital clubs, team, and hour-long activities Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00 pm! Families can find out which events are happening through HPHS’s website in the Woodcraft Rangers tab, @woodcraftrangers on Instagram, Woodcraft Rangers’ website, and YouTube! Leaders like Mariela Ramirez has a new virtual cooking class and Teen Center, Moses Mendoza runs Anime, and Young CEOs, Juan Hernandez leads Color Guard, Alexia Thorpe, and Shantelle Casillas for Just Keep Livin’ (Healthy Lifestyle) and Isaias Jauregui overseeing Sports and Driver’s Ed! There are also monthly events that happen for all families and students in Woodcraft Rangers to enjoy like Halloween costume parties and holiday food and festivities in the upcoming seasons.
There truly is a program for everyone! At Huntington Park’s Woodcraft Rangers, all students matter, and all students are welcome. We hope to see you at the next event!