Air Force: Children can take advantage of the many recreation programs at the Bolling Youth Center. The center offers a summer day-camp program, self-directed activities (color TV with VCR, etc.), various classes (ballet, tae-kwon-do and gymnastics) and a before and after school program. Sports programs such as youth baseball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading are also popular activities.
The facility features three classrooms, a full-size gym and a basketball court and offers a safe and enjoyable place for high school students to hang out. It has a pool table, ping-pong table, video game system, and a state-of-the-art stereo system.
Regular activities include roller and ice-skating, out-door adventure trips, movie nights and the Keystone Club. Teens can also earn money for college by participating in the Youth Employment Skills (YES) program.
Another employment opportunity is the Summer Employment Program employs approximately 300 students each summer. To be eligible, students must be US citizens, meet suitability and qualifications requirements of the position, and be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment. Applications are accepted for the program under vacancy announcements.
Types of positions typically include clerk, office automation clerk, carpenter, painter, laborer, and lifeguard. Most announcements are open in early May and close by the end of May for employment the employment period which usually ends on 30 September.
Summer employment is designed to provide the opportunity for students to become acquainted with Government employment. The students primarily supplement staff with temporary help in order to ease the impact of vacation schedules during the summer period or meet seasonal workload demands.
Army: All Youth Services programs may be used by all eligible youth (6 to 18 years old) of active duty military, retired military and DOD civilians. Programs are offered for the youth at the Child and Youth Services Center, building 469. Our services include programs and activities following the Framework for Army Youth Programs. The School Age Services (SAS) program for 1st through 5th Graders is part of the Youth Services program and provides before school care, after school care and full day care on non-school days to include winter, spring and summer camp programs. The Middle School and Teen (MST) program for 6th through 12th Graders provides programs after school and full day camps during winter, spring and summer school breaks during the year.
Youth ages 6 to 18 years can participate in a wide variety of programs and activities through Youth Services. Sports and Fitness programs include basketball, baseball, softball, tee ball, bowling, lessons, participation in national sports contests, weight lifting and physical fitness. Arts, Recreation and Leisure program includes participation in Boys and Girls Club activities, 4-H Club activities, Gardening Club, Cooking Club, roller skate nights, holiday theme parties, special events and trips. Life Skills, Citizenship and Leadership programs include computer center, youth sponsorship for arriving and departing youth, volunteer opportunities, youth council, career development programs, and involvement with Teen Discovery. Mentoring, Intervention and Education Service program include SAT Prep course, homework center, home alone skill classes, and personal health and safety programs.
The Youth Services Center, building 469 has a Multipurpose Room for basketball games and large group activities, Game Room with game tables, billiard table, tables to play board games and Nintendo. Activity Room for talking with friends, drawing, reading, free play and a television with VCR and DVD players. Computer/Homework Center for completing and obtaining assistance with homework and computers with Internet access. Middle School/Teen Lounge for socializing with friends, billiards table, Nintendo, television with VCR and DVD players, and stereo system with surround sound.
Marines: 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. 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.
Navy: Youth Services has something for everyone.
Area bases offer the following activities: Indoor/Outdoor Basketball courts, arcade games, pool tables, football, intramural sports, etc. Make sure you pay them a visit!
Fun things to do? Plenty to chose from in this area: the malls, food court, multi-plex theaters, swimming pools, concerts, go kart tracks, skating, rollerblade, Kings Dominion or Six Flags America amusement parks etc. Sporting events, Redskins, Ravens, Capitols, Wizards, and Georgetown just to name a few. Try your local school activities, dances, homecoming, etc.
This is just an idea of what this area is like. Remember to be who you are, do your thing and stay true to you... and your parents!