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Youth programs are full of fun, education

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Sometimes parents must work longer hours due to mission needs, which means they need someone to care for their children once school's out.

This is where Shaw's youth programs can help. These programs help military and Department of Defense civilian personnel in balancing the competing demands of family life and the accomplishment of the mission, said Deborah MacQueen, 20th Services Squadron director of youth programs.

"Children who are in these programs for three hours or longer each week will grow up more healthy, caring and responsible," Mrs. MacQueen said. "The children learn positive values such as honesty, integrity and responsibility."

There are three youth programs offered: school age, tween and teen.

The School-Age Program is accredited by the National After-School Alliance and provides children ages 5 through 12 with a stimulating environment where they can explore, develop and learn at their own pace in a safe and secure environment, Mrs. MacQueen said.

The program offers a wide range of physical and quiet activities, Mrs. MacQueen said. An indoor gym and an outside area are available as daily choices for physical activities, a library room is available to children to use to finish schoolwork and a discovery room provides a place to explore new interest areas. Separate art and game rooms are also available.

The Tween and Teen Program is more or less a recreation center rather than a structured environment for those ages 9 through 12, and teens, ages 13 through 18, said Davin Watson, 20th Services Squadron teen coordinator.

"They have a blast playing sports, billiards, ping-pong, computer and video games and much more. They can use their time studying during power hour, playing a game of chess, or even playing the drums or guitar," he said.

"We even have field trips throughout the year," Mr. Watson said. "We sometimes take them bowling, skating, to the movies or out for pizza."

Teens in high school and whose parents are in the military can join the Youth Employment Skills Program, which is an on-base volunteer program that banks dollars towards their college education, Mr. Watson said.

"High school teens learn valuable work skills and work up to 250 hours, which earns $1,000 towards tuition for the college of their choice," Mrs. MacQueen said.