Story by Emily Kebert

Photos by Morgan Solomon

Before and after the school day begins, hundreds of Columbia Public School (CPS) students are starting and ending their days with learning, creativity and connection – all through Adventure Club.

As part of the University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development, Adventure Club offers enrichment-based care for elementary-aged children in a safe, supportive environment. The program provides educational and recreational activities, from arts and crafts and music to dramatic play, group games and homework help.

With an emphasis on developmentally appropriate, interest-driven learning, the goal is to create space for both structure and exploration..

Learning by doing

“I’ve had an amazing opportunity to pair what I’ve learned through my classes with my experiences at Adventure Club,” said Emma Petersen, an elementary education student. “It’s helped me grow as a future teacher by learning how to build positive relationships with students, manage behavior and communicate effectively with families.”

That hands-on experience reflects the college’s commitment to preparing future leaders through applied learning — equipping students with the skills and confidence to drive change in their professions and communities.

A trusted community partner

 Adventure Club has partnered with CPS since 1997 and is licensed by the Missouri Office of Childhood within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. During the 2024–25 school year, the program served 923 students across multiple school sites.

Each location is led by a full-time Site Facilitator who oversees daily operations, supported by part-time Site Assistants. Staff-to-student ratios are typically 1 to 16, allowing for meaningful interactions and individualized support.

Professional development is a priority. Recently, the program implemented a state-approved training focused on Tier 1 behavior supports and developmentally appropriate strategies. The training emphasized proactive approaches, interactive scenarios and consistency across sites.

“Our administrative team remains committed to ongoing learning and regularly seeks out opportunities to connect with faculty experts at Mizzou,” said Greta Hake, Adventure Club programming coordinator. “By staying engaged with current research and best practices, we ensure the program continues to grow and meet the evolving needs of children, families and our student staff.”

Supporting families year-round

Adventure Club also offers summer programming aligned with the CPS calendar to provide enrichment during school breaks. Across all sessions, open communication with families is central to the program’s success. Staff work closely with parents and guardians to understand each child’s needs and create supportive, welcoming environments.

As an outreach unit of the College of Education and Human Development, Adventure Club plays a key role in strengthening communities through partnership — supporting working families, enriching local schools and expanding opportunities for children.

At the same time, it prepares the next generation of educators to lead with confidence, adaptability and purpose.

For more information about enrollment, employment opportunities or program details, visit adventureclub.missouri.edu.