SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. –
As the holidays near, some parents face the prospect of hyperactive children or bored teenagers hanging around the house.
Commonly found at many Air Force installations, a base youth center can help remedy the challenge for parents by offering activities to youngsters to keep them positively and safely engaged.
During the Year of the Air Force Family, bases throughout Air Mobility Command are increasing awareness about existing programs which are in place to enhance the lives of Airmen and family members, such as those at the Charleston AFB Youth Programs Center.
The Charleston AFB Youth Programs center currently offers programs such as after school care, dance and Tae Kwon Do classes as well as student tutoring.
They will also host auditions for the "You Got Talent Show" Dec. 28 at the youth center building starting at 4: p.m. for ages 5 and up. Last year's winner had the opportunity to open for Tops in Blue in Nov. 8 when they performed at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.
Youth center services are not only available to active-duty parents, but also to children of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members as well, said Shannon Dauber, AMC youth specialist. Children with deployed parents also 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.
From a command perspective, AMC received $150,000 from Air Force headquarters to fund youth camps. Youth centers throughout AMC submitted proposals for youth camps with requests for funding. The themes ranged from sports and theater to outdoor adventure.
During December, other AMC bases made fund requests to offer a laser tag event and an ice skating trip, a bowling camp, a teen ski trip and a holiday cooking camp as well as a winter sports camp.
The Charleston AFB Youth Center began registration for this year's Winter Camp Dec. 8 and will close the list Dec. 18. The camp is scheduled to be held Dec. 21 to 31, during the holiday school break.
Most of the youth camps are scheduled to take place in summer 2010, with themes ranging 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 Charleston AFB, contact the Youth Programs Center at 963-5684.