Youth Services

This installation does not provide a youth center environment. The GSA daycare center, Stars and Stripes Learning Station (SaSLS) https://www.youngchildassociates.com/ has a before and after school-age daycare, as well as a summer (June through August) program for children up to 13 years old and is located on the HDIFC grounds. School-age children will be offered a combination of recreational and educational activities to balance their day. Indoor or outdoor play, snacks, organized enrichment activities, clubs or interest groups, and supervised homework periods will be included in the school-aged program.

Teachers will be guides and facilitators in the classroom. They will prepare a "down time" so that children can rest. During "down time" children may read, draw or write. Teachers will provide enrichment activities such as:

• Crafts
• Science/Nature projects
• Organized group games
• Independent activities
• Physical Skill Building
• Free activity play in or outside
• Field trips (museums, parks, etc.)
• Homework or school papers
• Individual tutoring/help
• Reading or math games
• Board or card games
• Construction (Legos, wood, etc...)

Among the variety of enrichment experiences planned for SaSLS children are field trips (approximately two per week) and special outings which bring to the child a new understanding of and appreciation for the community in which they live. The frequency and location of field trips are scheduled according to the ages, interests and abilities of each classroom.  Boys and Girls Scout leaders come in to SaSLS for 6 weeks.

The following programs are not available at this installation: Youth Recreation and Sports, Youth Social Programs, Youth Religious Programs,, youth /sponsorship calendars, and youth employment programs.

The capacity of the Child Development Center is 98 children. There is a waiting list for some age groups, so apply as soon as you are notified of your arrival date. Registration is required to get on the waiting list. For more information and reservations, contact the Stars and Stripes Learning Station at 269-963-5598.