When Garry Cleveland (G.C.) Myers, along with his beloved wife, Caroline, Clark first launched Highlights magazine inside a small office above a car dealership in Honesdale, Penn. back in 1946, the doctorly-credentialed child psychologist from Columbia University was a man on a mission.
Already a prolific author, newspaper columnist, radio host, and popular lecturer throughout the country, Dr. Myers had an overwhelming passion and commitment to helping children learn and grow. All throughout World War II, Garry and Caroline crisscrossed the country on behalf of another magazine. It was titled, “Children’s Activities,” and the couple regularly visited classrooms to help facilitate discussions with the kids and their teachers.
Entrepreneurially motivated, the Myers were eager to start a magazine of their own, only not the same kind as the one they were currently working on. The couple envisioned a publication that went beyond the academics and covered the broader moral education of children, too.
Highlights was launched on a shoestring, struggling mightily for years. In fact, some of the publication’s employees even pitched in some of their own money to keep it afloat as it found its footing and gained in popularity. Decades later the magazine many of us remember in doctor and dentist offices back when we were kids had become the most popular children’s magazine in the United States.
Early editions contained Bible stories, as well as extolling the benefits of warm relationships between parents and children. The Myers also stressed the importance of a patriotic and grateful citizenry.
Many readers will also remember the “Goofus and Gallant” illustration which helped show kids the difference between responsible and irresponsible behavior.
Given the slide of culture, it might not surprise you that Highlights’ noble goals and first-class standards have slid significantly in recent years. The magazine has featured same-sex couples, and annually touts and endorses LGBT books for kids. They’ve also championed resources that embrace critical race theory.
On a list of resources for parents to share with children, Highlights has become a lowlight.
Focus on the Family has long warned about the moral and spiritual deterioration of children’s educational and entertainment centered resources. From Disney to Dora the Explorer, parents can no longer assume that once long-established child-friendly outlets are friendly at all. There’s a full court propaganda press on these days trying to corrupt and confuse young minds into thinking the perverse isn’t only permissible – but even preferred.
For years now, Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines have been our ministry’s answer in the print publication space to these insidious and relentlessly ideologically antagonistic forces. Here’s how our team describes their award-winning resources:
Focus on the Family Clubhouse (ages 8-12) bursts with faith-building fun for kids ages 8-12. Each monthly issue of this award-winning magazine is packed with stories of ordinary kids doing extraordinary things for God, Average Boy’s hilarious adventures, character-building fiction, delicious recipes, jokes, puzzles . . . and exclusive Adventures in Odyssey content that you can’t find anywhere else. Reinforce traditional values and ignite your kids’ faith with Clubhouse.
You’ll love the way Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. reinforces biblical values for children ages 3-7. This award-winning kids’ magazine promotes family closeness and encourages reading and thinking skills. Each monthly issue is jam-packed with creative Bible stories, exciting fiction, entertaining nature features, fun puzzles, silly jokes and more—all designed to give your child a strong spiritual start. Learning about God should always be this much fun!
To be sure, the Clubhouse brand makes even the original Highlights magazine seem like thin soup. The team, led by editor Jesse Florea, prayerfully pulls together each issue. They pray for their readers – and parents can trust that the content their children holds in their hands won’t warp their minds or hurt their hearts.
If you’re interested in either obtaining a sample issue or subscribing, please click here.
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