Youth Services

The Teen Center is closed until further notice. Please contact 803-895-2251 for more information.

Kids in Touch with Kids sponsorship program

Kids In Touch With Kids is a pen pal program sponsored by the Youth Programs Center. If you are moving to Shaw Air Force Base, you can correspond with a pen pal from the base and find out about the area before you arrive. Youth wishing a sponsor and information about Shaw AFB should call or write to the Shaw AFB Youth Programs Center. You may also contact the Relocation Assistance Program staff at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Youth employment

Shaw AFB and the local area provide unlimited part-time employment opportunities for youth ages 16 and older. For youth under age 16, there are other opportunities such babysitting to earn a little money during your spare time. Youth can also volunteer their time and service to the base and/or local community to make it a better place to live and play.

Youth Programs Center

The Youth Programs Center is available for all family members of active duty between the ages of 5 and 17, retired military personnel, Air Force reservists, federal civilian employees and retirees. Annual activity cards, which offer substantial discounts for classes and activities, are available for a nominal fee. Board games, pool tables, video games, movies, television, arts and crafts projects, fitness programs, a fitness room, gymnastics, a dance room, a teen center and much more are available for the self-directed desires of all participants. Weekend trips include places like Disney World, Cape Canaveral, Busch Gardens, and the Great Smokey Mountains. Before- and after-school programs, summer camps and school break day camps are also offered. Instructional classes that promote self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline are offered; included are gymnastics and modern dance.

Youth Center Annex

The Youth Center Annex is for youngsters age 9 (fourth grade) through age 18 (high school senior), and is located in the 5000 housing area. The annex includes a recreation area, a computer lab, two multi-purpose areas and an outdoor basketball court.

Tween program

Tween (ages 9-12) time at the annex is offered Monday-Friday, 2:30-5 p.m., and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Tweens have the run of the center during this time to play pool or Ping-Pong, use the computers and more. This is also when Power Hour and Torch Club are offered. Tween lock-ins are scheduled throughout the year. During the lock-ins, tweens can enjoy a night of activities such as bowling, skating, movies, pizza, a talent contest and more. We also offer various programs throughout the month. Tween dances are another example of the events we provide for our preteens. There is a $25 annual membership fee.

Teen program

Shaw Youth Programs, in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, was awarded a Taco Bell Teen Supreme Grant to help support the teens of Shaw AFB. Teen time is offered Monday-Thursday,
5-8 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Teen center membership is $25 annually. The membership allows you into the club and offers you discounts on some of the teen trips and events. The nightly program offers a variety of self-directed activities such as pool, Ping-Pong, board games and more. Planned activities may include Power Hour study time, a cooking class, arts and crafts, photography, job readiness and more. Special events such as lock-ins, dances, basketball tournaments, bowling and more are scheduled on Saturday nights.

Youth sports

The Youth Programs Center also offers team sports such as T-ball, coach pitch, softball, baseball, volleyball, flag football, basketball, soccer and the swim team. Clinics covering the basics of various sports are held throughout the year.

Youth programs

The Youth Annex offers programming for youth ages 10-18 after school, during the summer and on
in-service days, holiday breaks and Saturdays. Transportation is provided for a small fee from schools that are on or near the base. The program is Department of Defense certified and affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H. Both entities have curriculum that offers character and leadership skills, high-yield learning activities, arts, education and career, health and life skills, and recreation. Youth will have the opportunity to join the Torch Club or Keystone Club, both of which are designed to teach character and leadership skills and be the voice of Shaw youth. Field trips and special events are offered throughout the year. Youth Programs also reaches out to youth who are making a permanent change of station to Shaw through a collaborative effort with A&FRC. This sponsorship program, Kids in Touch with Kids, connects youth who are inbound to Shaw with youth members to enhance the PCS experience and provide information about the area.

The annual membership is $50 a year.