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Youth programs promote development

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "The Youth Program is an awesome place for youth to discover and explore new opportunities," said Deborah MacQueen, 20th Force Support Squadron Youth Programs chief.

The Youth Center is one organization providing special events during April, which is The Month of the Military Child.

"The Month of the Military Child is designed to recognize children and youth who are part of a military family and the contributions and sacrifices they make," said MacQueen. "Military life is challenging and Youth Programs wants to personally thank military families with activities that are appropriate for the family."

An Easter egg hunt is scheduled to take place at the youth sports complex 10 a.m., April 5. This is a free event. A Easter Bunny is scheduled to make an appearance for free pictures, and thousands of eggs are to be scattered across the complex for children and youth to discover.

A Spring Break Camp will also be available for children from kindergartner's age through 12, said MacQueen. Those interested in participating must enroll and pay a fee according to the family's total income.

On April 25, the center will provide the last two events for The Month of the Military Child.

"We will be co-hosting with 20th FSS Fitness Center for a '5k Ready, Set, Glow' run located at the fitness annex," said MacQueen. "This will be for all ages and electrifying! Prior to the glow run, the Youth Program will be opening their doors for a teen lock-in at 7 p.m. They will be attending the glow run, then heading back to the center for a fun filled night of recreation, sports, food and challenging activities."

However, these are not the only events the youth center is preparing for.

"Our goal is to ensure that all families know that there is a place on Shaw Air Force Base where children and youth can create new beginnings and life-long relationships," said MacQueen

Currently, registration is open for baseball and practices are scheduled to start March 17.

Registration for baseball, or any other sport, is located at the Shaw Youth Center.

"The Shaw Youth Sports Program offers soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and baseball," said Larry Stegall, 20th FSS youth sports director. "We also conduct the America's Kids Run, the Aquafina Pitch-Hit-Run, and an outdoor hiking-fishing week."

Programs are created and developed to provide opportunities for children and youth to receive hands-on experiences that help heighten diversity in their everyday life, said MacQueen.

Stegall said that it is his goal to provide a safe environment where each child can have fun and enjoy the sport.

"I look forward to going to work every day and absolutely love knowing that I make a difference in children and youth lives," said MacQueen. "I have an awesome team of youth development professionals who have the same values. Together we are constantly finding innovative ways to create an atmosphere that children and youth look forward to visiting."

For more information about the programs, call (803) 895-2251.