Fort Polk  Child and Youth Services

Middle School and Teen (MST) is a free CYS-designated program designed to accommodate youth who are grades 6th-12th (11-18 years of age). The MST program is located at the Siegfried Youth Center, 5538 University Parkway, Building 4996; phone 337-531-1992. (Temporary Location is Bldg. 744)

Youth Services offers an After School Program for middle school and high school youth. Transportation is provided from the local schools to the center on regular days as well as half-days. The program is staffed with well-trained and caring youth professionals serving the afterschool needs of our community.

The services provided include a safe and supervised setting with freedom for a variety of activity choices. Homework assistance is available in the combined space of the homework center and computer lab. Educational and recreational software are available for exploration in the computer lab, as well as structured computer and program skill classes.

Boys and Girls Club and 4H clubs, projects, activities and curriculums are used as the foundation of our youth development program. Activities such as photography, digital arts, drama, cooking, individual and team sport fun, fitness and nutrition are a few of the many diverse offerings during the course of the school year.

Snack is provided in the afternoon for all participating youth. Food is prepared according to USDA guidelines. Youth who attend summer camps in the morning, before the regular program begins, will be served breakfast and lunch. The camps are the only part of the Middle School and Teen program that are fee-based and are on a sliding scale.

Services are also available on "school closure days" at no additional charge for all who are enrolled in the program.

Youth Sports and Fitness

Sports and Fitness Programs provide team sports, individual sports, fitness and health programs and, programming at Child Development Centers, School Age and Youth Programs. Pre-registration is required for Sports and Fitness Programs. Children and youth that are currently registered in CYS can be enrolled in Sports and Fitness using WebTrac.

The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) has a website for evaluation of coaches. Parents have the opportunity to evaluate coaches on the NAYS website. Parents must have the coach member number to rate their coach. You can get this number from the CYS Sports and Fitness office. 

Sports Physical

A sports-specific physical must be completed annually, prior to the start of the sports season. The form must be completed with a doctor’s signature and stamp, then submitted to Parent Central Services during registration. Hint: The best time to get your child’s physical — if possible — is in July. This way, your child’s physical will be valid for all sports for one full year.

Gymnastics  

Classes Offered:

• Parent and Child Class - Ages 12 months to 3 years- 30-minute classes- $30/month
• Pre-School Class- Ages 3 years to 5 years- 45 minutes classes- $40/month
• School Age Class- Ages 6 years to 9 years- 1 hour classes- $50/month
• School Age Class- Ages 10 and older- 1 hour classes- $60/month

Children will be offered and enrolled into one set class day and time. Classes can not be interchanged. Parents need to complete a sign-up sheet, if interested, as there is a waitlist for most classes. Call 337-531-6004 for more information 

Fort Polk youth have their own fishin' hole named Catfish Cove. Catfish Cove is regularly stocked with channel cats just so you can catch them and take them home for dinner. All Adults MUST be ACCOMPANIED by a YOUTH with a fishing pole. Unaccompanied ADULTS will be evicted from the premises. 

Wheelock Bayou Fitness Center has a variety of equipment and materials available to youth. Cardio Room, Weight Room, Classes, Personal Trainers, Steam Room, Sauna, Hot Tub, Aqua Massage and Rock Climbing Wall. At age 16, youth can use the gym without a parent or guardian.

The Art & Crafts Center offers a variety of classes for users of all ages. Youth 12+ can participate in adult classes with their parents. Classes include painting, ceramics, woodshop, framing and floral design.