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Youth center programs can keep kids engaged during holiday season

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  As the holidays near, some parents face the prospect of hyperactive children or bored teenagers hanging around the house.

Many base youth centers will offer activities to keep them positively engaged.

During the Year of the Air Force Family, AMC is increasing awareness about existing programs that are in place to enhance the lives of Airmen and family members, such as youth center programs.

"We offer School Age Programs (before & after school care and summer camps), Youth Sports and Fitness; instructional classes; teen and pre-teen programs, and more," said Ms. Shannon Dauber, AMC youth specialist.

Youth center services are available to children of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members, she said. Children with deployed parents get the first opportunity to register.

"We strive to meet the interests and needs of all youth and to assist Airmen in performing their duties more effectively by providing them support in their role as parents," Ms. Dauber said.

AMC received $150,000 from headquarters Air Force to fund youth camps for the upcoming year. Youth centers throughout AMC submitted proposals for youth camps with requests for funding. The themes ranged from sports to theater to outdoor adventure.

During December, fund requests were made to offer these programs: Little Rock Air Force Base requested funding for a laser tag event and an ice skating trip. Pope AFB planned for a bowling camp. McChord AFB scheduled a teen ski trip, and Fairchild AFB planned a holiday cooking camp as well as a winter sports camp.

Most of the youth camps are scheduled to take place in summer 2010. Themes range from nature adventures to culinary arts.

Such programs provide opportunities for military children to enjoy friendship, achievement, leadership, and recognition, Ms. Dauber said.

"For many youth, this is a 'home away from home,' a place where they can feel comfortable and safe," she said.

For more information about youth camps and programs at your base, contact your local youth center.