Youth Center provides summer activities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicolas Z. Erwin
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Youth Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., offers a variety of events and activities during the summer as well as throughout the school year.

The Open Recreation program, during the summer consists of weekly field trips off and on the installation, family resiliency activities and events, in addition to week-long camps specializing in science, technology, engineer and math programs to include: theater, music and archery.

“We had come out and teach the kids culinary arts last week,” said Andre Killkelley, the Youth Center’s Program Specialist. “We have one of the Team USA coaches teaching the kids the fundamentals of archery. Next week, we will be offering a STEM science camp.”

The Youth Center gives Airmen and civilians a safe place for their children to attend while their parents are at work. During the summer season, the center provides various activities, events, and sports for children to be involved in. During the school year, the center provides transportation to and from school, as well as an after-school program.

“We are a safe, healthy, positive environment for our military youth,” said Jae Whitfield, the Youth Center’s Programs Chief. “Any youth dependent of a Department of Defense card holder is welcome to be a part of our program.”

The cost of the events and activities range from $5 to $75 depending on children’s youth center memberships. However, any service member or civilian on base has the opportunity to register their children for the Youth Center’s programs.

The Youth Center’s hours of operations during the summer are from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. The Youth Center also provides care for children ages five through 18 with their different program components including the school-age program and youth sports program.

For more information or to register for the ongoing summer fun, contact the Youth Center at (605) 385-2277.