Youth Services

The Youth Center, located at the corner of Lighthorse Street and 4th Div Road, serves as the focal point for many youth programs and is an affiliate of the Boys and Girls Club of America and 4H. The Middle School/Teen programs and Youth Sports and Fitness are home-based in this facility. The center provides open recreation and opportunities for youth at scheduled times and is the site of many special events such as dances, lock-ins, block parties and sports and game contests.

The Middle School & Teen Program operates out of the Youth Center. As a Boys & Girls Club affiliate and 4-H partner, the MS/Teen Program offers age-appropriate activities for youth in 6th through 12th grade.

School Year Hours – Open before and after school with occasional weekend openings.

Summer Camp (paid) 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Summer Open REC (FREE) 1 to 7 p.m.

Middle School Before/After School Program

• Cyber Room
• Game room
• Full size gym
• After school snacks
• Games room
• Art room
• Gymnasium
• Transportation 10 off post schools (one R1 and nine R2)
  • Blythewood MS
  • Kelly Mills
  • Muelleril
  • Summit Parkway
  • Longleaf
  • EL Wright MS
  • Crayton
  • Blythewood HS
  • Westwood HS
  • Ridgeview HS

** Routes subject to changed based on community needs, please contact Parent Central Services to see if we serve your child's school**

MS/Teen Open Recreation

• Open recreation starts at 3 p.m. during the school year. During out of school days open recreation starts at 1 p.m.

One Youth Center on post. Provides open recreation 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.

For incoming youth on Fort Jackson, there are various opportunities to get involved in the community even before they get to Fort Jackson. Families may contact the School Liaison Officer, 803-751-6150 to request a youth sponsor.

Did you recently receive PCS orders and have a child that's worried about moving? Maybe you've heard them wonder:

• Who will my new friends be?
• What will my new school look like? What activities/sports are available? Will I fit in?
• What are the other kids wearing?

The Youth Sponsorship Program connects your child to another youth in the new community to answer these questions and so much more.

Why should my child request a sponsor? A sponsor:

• Allows your child to get to know their community before they arrive.
• Provides them with someone who can show them the ropes in their new community.
• Helps reduce social isolation, leading to a healthier transition with reduced stress and at-risk behaviors.
• Gives youth a youth perspective on their new community and school.
• Allows you to focus on other aspects of transition, knowing that your child’s needs are being met.

What does the Youth Sponsorship Program provide for my child?

• Their sponsor will provide them a welcome packet and information about their new community before they arrive.
• Upon arrival their sponsor will arrange for them to have a tour of the community and, once you know which school they will be attending, provide information about the school and arrange for a tour there as well.
• Various activities and events will help your child meet new people, learn about their school and community, and expose them to various activities and events.

How do I get a sponsor assigned to my child? Once you receive PCS orders contact your School Liaison Officer.

What is a Youth Sponsor?

• Youth Sponsors are at both the youth center and the school and provide information about the community and school to their sponsorees via welcome packets, e-mail, and face-to-face communication
• Youth Sponsors ensure their assigned sponsoree have the right information to help them learn about their community and school and connect to other youth who have similar interests.
• They plan events that help transitioning youth feel more connected to their community.
• They are leaders in their school and community.

Why should my child become a Youth Sponsor?

• Builds a sense of belonging in their community and to give back to others
• Teaches new coping and resilience strategies that can assist your child when they transition
• Builds leadership experience
• Provides opportunities for service learning hours
• Offers opportunities to participate in training and programs with other youth across the community
• Provides adult mentorship
• Inspires youth to be an active part of their community

How can my child become a Youth Sponsor? Contact the School Liaison Officer at 803-751-6150.

Ft. Jackson's Youth Sports Program is a great place for youth to learn sportsmanship, practice new skills and make new friends. Youth Sports encourages youths to have fun and learn fundamentals of the game. A variety of team sports, including flag football, cheerleading, soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball are offered. In addition track and cross country are options available to youth. 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 daylight games.

To register for Fort Jackson CYS Sports contact Parent Central Services 803-751-4865.