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Show t - -- r n. f J October 11,2001 Youth Center building, programs expand by Sue Berk J H7top 77nes staff ' After more than a year of surviving in cramped quarters, smiling faces and happy children have room to grow now that the Youth Activities Center's expansion project is complete. Base officials doubled the size of the facility by adding a new classrooms. They also renwing featuring five, special-intereovated the old portion that contains a recreation center, kitchen, offices, gymnasium and a separate room for teens. Cost of the project was $1.3 million. "(The addition was built) to meet expansion needs of Hill AFB and provide a solid, safe, enriching program where children have choices," said Linda Ambard, Youth Activities Center director. "Instead of dividing children into age groups, children have the choice of where they want to spend their before- - and time. "This is a recreation program," Ambard said. "It's geared for giving children as many enriching opportunities as we can durhours that's when children will most likely ing high-ris- k in activities. We try to cram those hours full engage of activities and options so they don't just sit around and watch TV or get involved in risky behaviors." Currently, 8085 children use the facility and it's filled to capacity in the summer with 120 children, Ambard said. Nineteen staff members oversee the programs and activities. If something sparks a child's interest, the center probably offers it. Children can spend time in a homework room complete with computers and materials to get school work done; an imagination station for dramatic play; an extended project and construction room featuring a woodworking bench, sewing machine, blocks and Lego sets; arts and craft room; or a center geared toward math and science activities. room until they adjust Kindergartners stay in a its to the school-ag- e with flexibility and choices, accordprogram ing to Ambard. Children in the school-ag- e program have direct supervision which includes a class leader is in every room, Ambard said. "However, the children are allowed to choose from any activity in the building." Separate programs and rooms are in place for preteens, ages and teens, ages "They sign themselves in and out and can play any of the games in the facility," Ambard said. "They also have a chance to participate in different clubs, do homework in Power Hour, and help with Make a Difference Day. Currently, the group is collecting pop can tabs to donate to a Ronald McDonald House and food for a local shelter. The facility also runs the leisure recreation program. Activities offered include bingo, movie nights, aerobics, roller skating, air hockey, teen councils, Jr. Jazz basketball, and cooking, crafts, karate, Tae Kwon Do, jazz, tumbling, and ballet classes. High school age dependents of active duty members can work at the facility and earn money for college through the center's Youth Employment Services. For every hour worked, the Air Force Aid Society banks $4 for the student. After they graduate from high school, the money they earned goes directly to a college of choice to pay expen ses. situation because the facility receives $2 for "It's a each hour worked," Ambard said. This is a new program and Vtr ('4 - ma 4 st after-scho- i "to.- ol off-scho- ol . in' i k 1,-- high-learni- JF ' - Mmijjn 13-1-8. 2 win-wi- n Trina Gibbons' kindergarten class stands near the Youth Center's new front entrance. Below, Ryan Doughty, left, and Hunter Grimes spend some time In the sun on the swings. the center's staff is looking for teens who want to branch out so they can work in areas that interest them. The center is open weekdays from 5:45 a.m.-- 6 p.m. for the program. After school teen hours are p.m.; Friday, p.m. and Saturday, p.m. The facility is closed Sundays and federal holidays. Cost for the school-ag- e program is based on total parent income. Teen membership is $24 yearly and allows children to check out equipment and receive discounts on sports, skating and field trips. However, they may have to pay a small fee for some classes, Ambard said. "You won't get kicked out for not having a membership, but a membership means you're able to participate more fully in the program," she said. "I have never worked in a nicer facility," Ambard said. "It's outstanding, and we are still getting things in. It's remarkable." They just did a parent survey and everybody is really thrilled with the changes, she added. The employees have also been receptive to the new facility and program changes. "They've put in a lot of outside time with moving and making the program work," Ambard said. "They're enthusiastic and their efforts are shining. It shows in all aspects of the program." For more information, call Ext. school-ag- e 3-- Monday-Thursda- 3-- 7 BWPi IT in y, 5--9 9 im "Malt - h r 1 1 Foosball Is I one of the most popular activities available to teens. nTrTl jrips" - ; t): i;K ililTir - ' -- .. : COPY ffm, ir,- .. . I ii y Sl Class leader Amy Gould takes advantage of a beautiful fall day by running with, from left, Kacle Smith, Hunter Grimes and Ryan Dougthy. r L 1 Renovations to the Youth Center Includes a new wing featuring five classroom and updates to the recreation room, kitchen, offices, teen room and gym. V---" pre-tee- 1 , I ., ltf .... Ai g IIIIIIIMIIM A" u wjj ( v'i?' -' .V r The gym Is often used for leisure recreation programs Including Jr. Jazz basketball. Right, Nicole Cormier practices her pool skills. A variety of equipment Is available for and teens to check out. ' T- i "I.- 1 iiMiii Photo by Gary Boyle self-contain- |
