RAF Lakenheath  Child and Youth Services

Lakenheath Youth Center provides opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities and to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship and recognition. Programs provide a wide variety of services, instructional classes and activities for children 5 to 18 years of age including before and after school programs, full day camps during summer vacation and school holidays, youth sports, youth transition and support services.

Before and After School is designed for children in kindergarten to sixth grade. All activities are planned as an enhancement to the child's learning, with an emphasis on enhancing children's social and development skills.

For more information call 011-44-1638-525437 or DSN 314-226-5437.

RAF Lakenheath's Youth Services offer a multitude of programs, activities and events to keep children active, occupied and entertained.

School Age Care Program

The School Age Care Program (SAC) provides before and after school care for children of working parents. The program is available Monday through Friday from 6:30 am until 6 pm for children ages 5 through 12 enrolled in Kindergarten through Sixth grade. During "no-school" days such as Spring Break or teacher workdays, care is provided all day, during which children enjoy guest speakers, special activities and field trips.

The SAC is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is certified to operate by the Department of Defense. This assures parents that their children are well cared for by a nurturing, trained and competent staff in a healthy, safe environment. The SAC is a government subsidized program; therefore, parents pay fees according to total family income.

Instructional Programs

The Instructional Class Program has a current enrollment of over 500  Lakenheath youth, ages 2-18. ICP offers martial arts, rock-climbing, and more. Fees for classes vary with type, length, age and skill level of the class.

Youth Sports and Fitness Programs

Lakenheath's Youth Sports Program keeps kids active! For Youth ages 3 and up, the program offers basketball, T-ball, baseball, softball, flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer.  Annual participation numbers approximately 1500.

Open Recreation: For ages 9-18 youth with memberships are welcomed into the facility after school for clubs, homework, sports, and more. Memberships are $60 for the year and offer discounts on other programs.

Teen Program: Youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to get a membership and enjoy all the cool clubs, trips, events, scholarship, and teen zone.

Youth Sponsorship Program

Youth Sponsorship is a joint effort of School Liaison Office and Youth Programs.  The Youth Sponsorship program assists with families transitioning between military installations.

Youth Employment

Commissary -- Bagging groceries at the commissary is a great way for teens 14 and over to earn money. There is a waiting list for positions so if interested, sign up as soon as possible. You must be dependable and the hours are flexible.

AAFES -- Offers a variety of jobs for youth 16 and over. Positions available include Food Service Worker (Burger King, Taco Bell, Auntie Anne's etc.); Sales Associate (BX, Shoppette, etc.); laborer, custodial worker, warehouse worker, etc.

Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) with 48 Forces Support Squadron operates 27 facilities including the Fitness Center, Youth Centers, clubs, etc. Positions available include recreation aide and assistants at the Youth Center.

British Job Centres -- Each local town has a Job Centre. Command sponsored dependents of employable age are eligible for employment on the British economy under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). A work permit is not necessary, however, a National Insurance number is  and British taxes are withheld.

Summer Hire Program -- This is a USAFE program for youth ages 14 and older, which is dependent upon funding. Lakenheath schools and the Civilian Personnel Office at RAF Mildenhall will have information before the start of each summer.