The Youth Center, located at the corner of Imboden Parkway and
Chestnut Road, serves as the focal point for many youth programs and is an
affiliate of the Boys and Girls Club of America. School Age Services, Middle
School/Teen programs and Youth Sports are all home-based in this facility. The
center provides open recreation and opportunities for youth at scheduled times
and are the sites of many special events such as dances, lock-ins, block parties
and sports and game contests. In addition, classes in Tae Kwan Do, dance,
gymnastics and piano are offered at the Youth Center.
SCHOOL AGE
SERVICES
School Age services is based at the Youth Center but utilizes
many other post facilities to enhance the quality of its services. It
operates before and after-school options during the public school year for
grades one through five, and full day options during the summer months. The
before school program operates from 5:15 to 8 a.m. and provides transportation
or escort services to each of the three Fort Jackson elementary schools. After
school options operate from 2:30-6:30 p.m., including pick up services from Ft.
Jackson schools. During teacher in-service days and school holidays, the program
operates from 5:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The curriculum is based on four
service areas: fitness and sports, life skills and citizenship, leisure and
recreation, and mentoring and support. Youths are offered a choice in the type
and frequency of activities. Typical activities include the computer lab,
homework assistance, leisure time, individual and team sports, arts and crafts,
instructional classes and club time.
Whether enrolled in the Before or
After school program or not, children are encourage to participate on Preteen
Council and assist staff in programming activities and events for their age
group. Child and Youth Services registration includes three free afternoons a
month as well as operating hours on Saturday and Sunday. Additional afternoons
are available by purchasing a debit card. A monthly calendar is available that
outlines events/activities for school age children.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/TEEN
PROGRAM
Options for middle school and high school youth include four
service areas: sports and fitness, leisure and recreation, life skills and
leadership, and intervention and support. Middle school youth and teens are
encouraged to be active members of the Torch and Keystone leadership clubs and
assist staff in the programming activities and events for their age group. A
monthly calendar of events is available.
YOUTH SPORTS
Ft.
Jackson's Youth Sports Program is a great place for youth to learn
sportsmanship, practice new skills and make new friends. Youth Sports attempts
to de-emphasize competition, while encouraging youths to have fun and learn
fundamentals of the game.
A variety of team sports, including flag football,
cheerleading, soccer, basketball, baseball, roller hockey and track are offered.
Youth Sports also provides fitness activities and health and nutrition education
throughout the year. The Youth Sports Branch boasts a modern Youth Sports Park,
which features several softball fields, a football field and a concession area
for day games.
Further information on all the programs described in this
section so far can be gained by contacting the Child and Youth Services Central
Registration, which contact information is provided in this section under
"Contacts/Links."
SCOUTING
Scouting has a strong foundation on the
installation, and Girl and Boy Scout programs exist for youth of all ages.
Explorer Posts, the older coeducational branch of the Boy Scouts of America,
align their activities with future career interests, such as those in the
medical field and law enforcement. For further information, please see the Boy
Scouts information under "Contacts/Links" or the Child and Youth Services
information there, as well.