Youth Services

School Age Services/Youth Services Programs at the Rock Island Arsenal are certified by the Department of Defense.

Children, 6-18 years of age, of active Duty Military, DOD Civilians and DOD Contractors are eligible to use the services. Fees for programs are based on DOD Guidance and are on a sliding fee scale based on total family income.

All youth programs are handled by CYS.

Youth Center

Some of the programs offered through our Youth Services Program/Youth Center include:

• Open Recreation -- Open Recreation is offered every Friday, during the school year, to any registered participant from 3:15 until 6:00pm, except for when we are closed for Federal Holidays. We also offer Open Rec one Saturday a month during the school-year. Please check the monthly calendar for date and time each month. During Open Rec, participants have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.
• Before and After-School Program -- Offered Monday through Friday during the school year, except on Federal Holidays. This program is open to all eligible patrons, who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten thru 12th grade. These programs offer homework assistance, a computer lab, and an opportunity for participants to participate in various games, crafts and other activities. As National affiliates of 4-H and Boys and Girls Club of America, we incorporate many of their activities into our daily programming. Operating hours are 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and then from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the after school program.
• School-Out Program -- Available during planned school closures of the nine major public school districts. These full day programs are for participants enrolled in Kindergarten through age 13. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided on these days. There are planned morning and afternoon activities, as well as the opportunity for participants to choose their own activity ranging from simple crafts to computer games.
• Evening programs -- Offered for specific age groups. These programs are planned by the participants on a monthly basis. They offer participants an opportunity to interact with others in their age group while participating in a variety of activities. Activities can range from craft projects, computer time or eating contests, to dance night, going out to eat or to a local attraction. Please check the monthly calendar for dates and times of the following programs.
• Kids Club -- This program is offered to participants who are Kindergarten through 5th grade.
• Torch Club --This program is designed for 6th through 8th grade.
• Keystone Club -- For participants in 9th grade through seniors in High School.
• Summery Day Camp -- A 10-week program that operates in the summer months for participants who have completed Kindergarten thru age 13. Activities include, but are not limited to, swimming, bowling, skating, field trips, crafts, 4-H activities, and computers. The hours of operation for this program are 5:45 am-5: 15 pm, Monday through Friday, except for Federal Holidays and/or any period of installation shutdown or early dismissal approved by the Garrison Commander.

Youth Sponsorship Program

Rock Island Arsenal has trained Youth Sponsors to assist incoming Youth. This program is designed for school-aged youth. Sponsors are assigned by age/grade, gender and interests. Contact Army Community Service at 309-782-3896 or DSN 312-793-3896 or Children and Youth Services at 309-782-6515 or DSN 312-793-6515 for further information on Youth Sponsorship.

Youth Employment

There are extremely limited summer hire programs available.

One Youth Center on post offers various clubs and activities for youth. Phone: 309-782-7544.