JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston - Air Base Youth Programs received the Honor Award for Overall Program Excellence at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's 105th national conference held recently in New Orleans, La. The organization received a $5,000 award from MetLife Foundation, sponsor of the annual recognition program which honors local clubs for innovative, effective programming.
The Honor Award for Overall Program Excellence is presented to a club that has conducted the best overall program as determined by entries submitted in each of BGCA's five core program categories: character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.
While many of JB CHS - AB's programs are open solely to members of the JB CHS - AB Youth Programs, programming is also available for non-members. Family programs and base wide events including Kids Night Out, BGCA Day for Kids, Youth Holiday Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Month of the Military Child and America's Kids Run are open to all families and youth. Sports programs are open to non-members of the Youth Center and often team up and join leagues in the community. The Youth Center's Keystone and Torch Clubs conduct community service projects, helping to make the base's presence known in the surrounding area. Community members are often invited to the center to interact with members to see all of the programs offered.
"MetLife Foundation shares Boys & Girls Clubs' commitment to providing young people with safe places, constructive activities and interaction with caring adults, particularly during the after-school hours," said Dennis White, MetLife Foundation president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased to recognize JB CHS - AB Youth Programs for meeting this critical need with exemplary programs and for making a positive difference in the lives of local young people."
JB CHS - AB Youth Programs is open Monday through Saturday. For more information, parents can contact the organization at 963-5684 or visit http://www.jbcharleston.com/family/yp/index.html.