Youth center programs can keep kids engaged during holiday season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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, Air Mobility Command 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 Mr. Gabriel Laramie, McChord youth programs director.

Youth center services are available to children of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members also, he 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," Mr. Laramie said.

McChord received $10,000 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: McChord scheduled a teen ski trip. Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. requested funding for a laser tag event and an ice skating trip. Pope AFB, N.C. planned for a bowling camp and Fairchild AFB, Wash. 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, Mr. Laramie said.

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

For more information about youth camps and programs, contact the youth center at 982-2040.