Youth Center: Providing peace of mind

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  During the summer when kids are out of school, it can be a hard time finding a place for them to go where they can be looked after while their parents are at work.

One option for military parents would be the Whiteman Youth Center.

"We provide school age care which is for youths 5-12 years old," said Jennifer Bucko, 509th Force Support Squadron lead Child and Youth Program assistant. "Open recreation is available to youths ages 9-18."

The Youth Center school age programs are open from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with open recreation open from 1 p.m. till 6 p.m.

The school age care program focuses the youths on five core areas: fitness, art, science, life skills, and building/construction.

"Having a variety of core areas for the children allows them to explore different interest that they may have never tried before," Bucko said. "This can expand the children's hobbies and potentially give them a sense of interest they can pursue for their future."

There are 22 staff members between desk operations, the school age program, open recreation, teen programming and sports, but the activities are planned based off interest of the youths.

"Planning and activities for all programs are interest based activities, which holds the children to influence activities for staff to plan," Bucko said. "With the programs being interest based, it allows the youths to take ownership and gives them a sense of belonging that will help them grow as individual."

Like the school age program, Open Recreation also focuses the youths on a variety of core areas.

"With open recreation, our emphasis is on arts, fitness and recreation, health, life skills, character and leadership, as well as education and careers," Bucko said.

The Youth Center also offers various trips throughout the year and summer camps.

"The school-age program offers summer camp, which includes field trips to Kansas City and the local area's swimming pools and clubs," Bucko said. "Open recreation offers day camps with Kansas City and the local area, as well as Air Force-sponsored camps and overnight trips."

Youth programs assists parents by providing a safe environment that helps promote new interest and develop further life skills.

"Youth programs give parents the peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe environment, full of activities that are developmentally appropriate and engaging for all youths," Bucko said. "There is always something to do in any program and the youths are able to make their own choices of what they want to do, encouraging life skills."

The Youth Center leaders strongly believe in its staff and the youths.

"We have a very strong staff here," said Gerald Torres, 509th FSS Youth Center director. "Our highly trained youth professionals are dedicated and they truly make all of the programs a great place to be for the youth. The youth bring joy to the program on a daily basis with their smiles, laughter and active participation in the various programs."

Most of the staff members are employees of the youth programs but volunteers are always welcome.

"The majority of our volunteers are coaches for youth sports; however, we always welcome any volunteers for any of the programs," Bucko said.

Volunteer packets are available at the Youth Center front desk. Training and observations are also required for volunteers. For any questions about volunteering or Youth Center programs, please call (660) 687-5586.