Youth Services

Middle School/Teens (MST)

The MST program ensures the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of youth are addressed. Youth will work together with staff to ensure they have input into activity choices. Program opportunities will be offered in life skills, citizenship and leadership in the following program areas:

• Youth Councils - youth actively participate in planning and conducting youth programs.
• Volunteer Community Service - youth actively learn through service to their community.
• Workforce Preparation - youth prepare for successful entry into the workforce.
• Youth Technology Lab - youth explore interests, enhance technology skills, and research information.

Child and Youth Sports & Fitness Program

The Child and Youth Sports & Fitness Program ensures the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of youth are addressed through:

1. Team Sports are offered (provided there is enough participation) for all children ages five and above in the following sports:

• Baseball/T-Ball
• Soccer
• Basketball
• A minimum of two additional team sports offered at any time of the year (volley ball, dodge ball, cheerleading, tackle football, etc., based on community needs and interests).

2. Individual Sports

• Offered in at least three locally selected sports.
• A minimum of one Fitness and Health option is offered anytime during the year such as healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, personal hygiene, etc.

3. Fitness and Health programs

• Focus on nutrition education/counseling and health promotion.
• Implemented throughout the CYS system.
• Nutrition, counseling or health activities/event.
• At least one other locally determined option i.e. aerobics, swimming laps, weight lifting, biking, fitness trails, challenge courses, walking, jogging, hiking, etc.

4. Outreach programs

• Offered in CDC, SAC, MST and FCC throughout the year
• Intramurals (SAC/MST)
• Motor Skill Activities (CDC/SAC) i.e. Start Smart
• Skill Building Clinics (all)
• MWR Partnerships (SAC/MST) i.e. Gymnasium, Outdoor Recreation
• A minimum of one additional outreach activity (usually a special event or camp) is offered.

School Support Services

School Support Services provides a variety of programmatic strategies and resources to achieve this mission and to support academic success and wellness for Army children and youth.

• School Liaison Officers (SLOs) - communicate information and support services to Army Families and schools, as well as foster reciprocal transition practices among school districts and increase school transition predictability for Army Families
• Home School Support - Provided to Families who choose to homeschool their children. SLOs gather and share policies and resources to help these families overcome unique challenges and barriers.
• Homework Centers (K-12 grades) - Create a safe and familiar before and after school academic support environment in School Age Centers and Youth Centers.
• School Youth Sponsorship Programs - Ease school transitions in CONUS and OCONUS schools. Parents of children in grades 6-12 may request a child sponsor of similar age through the Youth Center. The sponsor will show the newcomer around the facilities and help them get acquainted with the environment and other children. To request a sponsor, call 912-315-5708.
• Tutor.Com (K-1st Yr College)- Offers free, online tutoring services to dependent children of Active Duty Army personnel, dependent children of deployed Army National Guard personnel, dependent children of deployed Army Reserve personnel, dependent children of Army Wounded Warriors/Survivors, inactive/part-time Army National Guard personnel and their dependents and inactive/part-time Army.

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts meet on base under the Youth Services umbrella and offer troops and camps for the teen crowd. The Girl Scouts provide older girl weekends where they can go skiing, white water rafting, and in their summer program they have a scuba camp to encourage older girl participation. For information on scouting at Hunter Army Airfield, call Youth Services at 912-315-9781.