Henderson Hall has a Youth Area Sponsorship
program. Youth Area Sponsors provide the arriving family members with
a variety of information on schools and community activities. They
research the specific "point of interest" and communicate this information
directly to the arriving family member by mail or email. It's a great
way to meet a new friend! For more information, call
(703)614-7200. Teenagers looking for employment opportunities should
visit the Career Resources Center, Building 29, or call (703)
614-7337. The Career Center has job postings in many different
areas with part-time positions. The Career Center has a vast
employment resource library, and the staff will be pleased to assist you in your
job search. Additionally, there are many volunteer job opportunities
available. These will quite often lead to responsible, paid positions
in the future. So, build up your resume and have the Career Resource
Manager review it. Make a difference in your
community! There's no Youth Center located on Henderson Hall,
however, there is a Youth-Area-Sponsorship Program that works in coordination
with Youth Centers and family members in the area. Marines reside in
communities throughout the Washington DC area. Youth-Area-Sponsors
provide information and support to new family members before, during, and after
their move.
VIRGINIA - YOUTH CENTERS
Ft Myer's, bldg 469,
(703)-696-3712
Ft Belvoir's, Bldg 1003, (703)805-4605.
Quantico's, bldg
3312, (703)784-2249
MARYLAND - YOUTH CENTERS
Andrew's AFB, bldg 4700,
(301)981-5636
Annapolis, bldg 126, (410)293-4998
Patuxent River, bldg
1597, (301)342-1694
DC - YOUTH CENTERS
Bolling AFB, bldg 4485,
(202)767-4003
Family members are encouraged to use programs at military
and civilian sites located closest to their residency. For military
youth programs in the area, you may want to view the Fort
Myer, Bolling AFB, or Quantico MCB SITES sections pertaining to
youth. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America have chapters in
almost every community in the area. The Boys and Girls Clubs of
Greater Washington have activities which might be of interest. Moving
as a teen can be extremely difficult. When you were younger, your
primary support system was your parents. And, when you moved, so did
your support system. As a teen, however, your typical support system
consists largely of close friends. Thus, the idea of relocating can
have you feeling like you're losing your whole support system.
Here are a
few coping tips from teens who have moved
successfully:
* First, it is not necessary to give up your
current friendships. Modern technology has made it so easy to stay in
touch. Granted, a phone call, letter or internet chat isn't quite the
same as being there. However, these things do make it easier to keep
track of each other until you are able to catch up later
on.
* Remember, the friends you have now were new to you at
some point in time. And, you will have the opportunity to make new
friends at your next assignment.
* Don't blame your parents
for the move. The military rarely makes it an
option. Placing blame doesn't help anyone. Instead, look
upon this as an opportunity to grow, learn, and experience a new way of life -
an opportunity many other teens don't experience.
* Get
involved in the process. Ask questions about schools and activities
(before you arrive at your new location) so that you can take part in the
decision making process. Tell your parents what you are looking for
in a school/activities.
* Henderson Hall has a
Youth-Area-Sponsorship Program. Youth sponsors provide information
and support before, during and after the move. They will also
research information on your specific "points of interest" around the Washington
DC area. But most importantly, you'll make a new
friend. For more information, ask your parent to contact the
Relocation Assistance Program office at 703-614-7202.
Your local high
school is a great place to hang out during football and basketball season. Also,
consider joining a school club, and take some local field trips. Oh
yeah, the telephone is real hot!!! To have a beeper or cell phone is prime, as
long as you don't take them to school! Surfing the Internet is cool,
too. Making the honor roll is choice primo!
Teenagers will
love the Washington Metropolitan area. There is everything from major
league sports to a Kings Dominion Amusement Park close by. Check your
local community newspaper. They have Weekend Sections detailing the
upcoming events in the area.