Youth Services

DECA and AAFES have summer hire employment opportunities such as commissary bagging, cashiers, inventory stocking etc. for ages 16 and up. AAFES also operates an on-base Burger King which offers additional job opportunities for teens. Teens 15 and up can earn extra money doing odd jobs for community residents such as pet sitting, moving lawns, house cleaning, gardening and other general labor tasks.

Our Instructional class program is a quality program offering a variety of classes in the following schools:

• School of Arts, Recreation and Leisure: Dance, Piano and Guitar
• School of Sports, Fitness and Health: Martial Arts, Karate, Gymnastics and Cheer
• School of Life, Skills, Citizenship and Leadership: Babysitting Classes

For more details on our current class schedules go to GoMDL website or call the program coordinator at 609-754-3997.

• Dix Youth Center for middle school and high school students, 609-562-5061
• Dix Teen Center for eligible youth 13-18 years of age, 609-562-5061
• McGuire Youth Center for youth 9-18 years of age, 609-754-2050
• Lakehurst School Age Center for children kindergarten through fifth grade, 732-323-4043
• Lakehurst Castle X Teen Center for sixth grade students to 18 years of age, 732-323-4043

If you are a teen relocating to JB-MDL, we can put you in contact with another teen who can help you upon your arrival. Information about schools, sports, recreational activities, and what's up in-general is available. A teen will have a better understanding of your problems and feelings about moving to a new community. Call any of our youth centers at the phone numbers listed above.

The School Liaison Office is available to assist military families with issues surrounding the education of their children. This should be a first stop when seeking school-aged education-related information and guidance. School Liaison Program Managers (SLPMs) are available to assist transitioning students who are moving to the JB-MDL or relocating to another installation. The SLPMs represent, inform and advise the command regarding school issues, assist families, educate schools about military culture and policies and initiate partnerships with local schools and communities. If you need assistance please call 609-754-9656 or 609-562-5411.

Troops are active on base and in the local area. Call 1-800-582-7692 for Girls Scouts information, and 609-261-5850 for Garden State Scouting BSA (for boys and girls).

Visit https://beascout.scouting.org/

Youth Sports offers a variety of sports throughout the year for the whole Joint base community. They include soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, track, bowling, golf and softball. The program focuses on competitive as well as non-competitive sports. Sports and fitness activities are developed and organized to enhance the emotional, physical, social and educational well-being of children. Youth sports is a growth experience rather than a limiting experience were all youth are provided the opportunity to play. All coaches are trained and certified. 

Base Amenities Available

The 87 Force Support Squadron (FSS) - formerly known as Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) - recreation facilities are located near the Dix Doughboy Field for easy access to the Bowling Center, Go-Carts, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Batting Cages, Miniature Golf, and a full service gym at the Griffith Field House.