Youth centers offer new program

Youth Programs After Three, or YP After 3, reflects the Air Force’s goal of providing a comfortable setting and atmosphere where youth can interact with each other while engaging in fun and interactive social programs. YP After 3 is located at the Maxwell and Gunter youth centers offers activties for youth ages 9 -18, including homework assistance, pool, table tennis and other activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Donovan Jackson)

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Youth centers offer new program

Published March 1, 2013
By Donovan Jackson
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Maxwell and Gunter youth centers have started a new program to provide for social interaction activities for children age 9 to 18 after 3 p.m.

The initiative, called Youth Programs After Three, or YP After 3, reflects the Air Force's goal of providing a comfortable setting and atmosphere where youth can interact with each other while engaging in fun and interactive social programs.

"We're trying to cater to all of the needs that a youth would have in their day-to-day lives," said Sarah Cooper, open recreation program director at the Maxwell Youth Center. "We believe that this program is really crucial because through its activities and programs it can help shape our youth."

The program offers daily homework help with the assistance of tutors.

In addition, participants can take part in numerous group activities ranging from photography, art, career development, health and recreation and a newspaper club.

"I love coming to the youth center after school," said Kyle Edwards, 13. "I get here around 2, and I come from the Baldwin Arts and Academic School, and I love coming here because I get to play basketball and also I get help with my homework when I need it too."

Isaiah Lewis, 13, said that he enjoys the youth center for the video games and the help that he receives with his homework.

"It's a really cool place where kids can hang out at plus we get to play in the game room and play stuff like pool and Xbox 360," he said. "I also get help with my homework, and it is why I am making A's and B's in school."

Membership forms are available at both Maxwell and Gunter youth centers. The annual membership fee is $60, which includes all paid activities and facility use and homework and tutoring help.

Members of the Maxwell-Gunter community who have certain skills or participate in specific hobbies are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteer forms are available at both youth centers.

"We need to continue giving our children and teens the tools, knowledge and resources that they will need to be successful," said Cooper. "They are our future, they will carry on our legacies and they are all potential Air Force leaders. They are our priority."