MCRD Parris Island  Child and Youth Services

The mission of the Laurel Bay and Parris Island School-Age Care, Youth program is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring individuals. Our goal is to provide an affordable, safe place to learn and grow, develop ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals and offer life-enhancing programs that promote character development.

Eligibility /Availability

We offer a comprehensive composite of diverse activities contributing to the well-being of school-age care children and youth(ages 5-12 years old).

All dependents of military personnel; DoD civilian personnel, active duty Coast Guard, reservists on active duty or during inactive duty for training and DoD contract personnel who are performing mission related duty on the installations are eligible to use the programs. Retirees may be eligible when a waiting list does not exist and space is available.

Youth Centers on Installation

The Youth Centers provide a safe haven for school age children offering recreation activities and before and after school programs. The facility boasts a full sized gymnasium, playground, arts and craft room and game room. The center is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Hours of Operation -- The centers are open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Following is a list of Youth programs offered as well as hours and days available:

Before School Care: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

After School Care: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Youth Sports Programs

The Youth Center supports Youth Sports programs with dance and gymnastic classes being held at the center on a weekly basis. A full court basketball court is available for the children/youth and teens at the Laurel Bay (LB) Youth Center.

Youth Sponsorship Program

Marine and Family Services' Relocation Assistance Program and the Child and Youth Program work together to provide a special program for school age youths to assist them in becoming acquainted with the opportunities awaiting them in Beaufort, South Carolina.

The Youth Sponsorship Program helps youths moving to the Beaufort area by matching them up with another age-appropriate youth presently living in the Beaufort area. The youths correspond with one another in order to find out exactly what to expect upon their arrival at Beaufort, South Carolina.

To obtain a Youth Sponsor, please call Youth Center at Parris Island prior to transfer at 843-228-1668.  Or contact Laurel Bay at 843-228-7640.

Youth Employment

MCCS offers many opportunities for the employment of Youths. Youths under the age of fourteen are not permitted to work for MCCS. The requirements vary according to the age of the youth. Every teenager 14 or 15 years of age must have an employment certificate (work permit) to work. Work permits may be obtained at most public high schools and many private schools. Students who are home schooled should visit the nearest high school in order to obtain a work permit. The forms that are required in order to obtain a work permit:

• Intention to Employ - This form is completed by the employer.
• Permission for Employment - This form is completed by the parent
• Evidence of teen's age - i.e. birth certificate, school record, passport, etc.

Youth Religious Programs

Please contact the MCAS Chapel at 843-228-3533 to find out about Youth Religious Programs.

Boys/Girls Scouts

The Boys/Girls Scouts are available through the Beaufort County Schools and the DoDDS School System.

Parris Island Youth Center (YC) provides before and after care for five years (kindergarten) through twelve years of age and full day camp for this age group in the summer. There are 2 Youth Centers available for use by personnel stationed at MCRD Parris Island:

• MCRD Parris Island, located aboard Parris Island. They can be reached at 843-228-1669.
• Laurel Bay, located in the Laurel Bay Housing area. They can be reached at 843-228-7640.