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Maxwell-Gunter Youth, School Age Programs mix fun with education

  • Published
  • By Jessica Casserly
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The Maxwell and Gunter Youth and School Age Programs offer a variety of fun, educational opportunities for the youngest members of the Maxwell-Gunter community.

"As youth development professionals, [our staff] is responsible for the emotional, social and physical development of all children through the age of 18 enrolled in our programs, and that's what our programs and activities are designed to do," said Roy Summers, director of Maxwell Youth Programs.

The Maxwell School Age Program provides before and after school care for children ages 5-12 who are enrolled at Maxwell Elementary School, said Mr. Summers. "Children enrolled in either the Maxwell or Gunter School Age Programs must be members of the Youth Center to be eligible for the program," Mr. Summers said. "Youth Center membership is $24 for 6 months or $36 for a year."

Kim Meyers, coordinator for the Gunter School Age Program, said, "There is also a weekly fee for the School Age Program, set by the Department of Defense. There are six categories of pay ranging from $21 to $30 per child."

The Gunter School Age Program, which offers after-school care, has bus transportation from Maxwell Elementary, Dalraida Elementary and Forest Avenue directly to the School Age Center, said Ms. Meyer. For an additional fee, the Gunter program will also send staff to pick students at Head Elementary, Wares Ferry Elementary and Alabama Christian Academy, Ms. Meyer said.

"Children enrolled in the School Age Program can participate in art projects, science and math related activities, outdoor activities, snack time and our 'power hour' homework sessions," Ms. Meyer said.

"We try to provide a program that kids will look forward to," said Ms. Meyer. "We want kids to be happy here, we want parents to feel good about sending their kids here, and we want positive interaction between the staff and the kids."

Ms. Meyer said the Gunter School Age Program currently has a waiting list. There is currently no waiting to enroll in the Maxwell program, Mr. Summers said.

Maxwell School Age Program offers before-school care Monday-Friday, 6:30 to 8 a.m. and after-school care Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Gunter School Age Program offers after-school care Monday-Friday 3 to 5:30 p.m.
For Maxwell-Gunter youth ages 9-18, the Maxwell and Gunter Youth Centers are available for open recreation and activities.

"The Youth Center is a fun place for the children to be engaged in activities," Robert Richert, director of Gunter Youth Programs said. "We provide a safe, cost effective environment for children to be after school."

The Maxwell Youth Center offers open recreation, a full-size gym and a rock wall, Mr. Summers said. The Gunter facility offers a similar set up with a recreation room, a half-size gym and a rock wall, said Mr. Richert.

Youth can also engage in any of the various clubs offered, Mr. Richert said. "We have an archery clinic once a quarter, and we offer several 4-H related clubs. We also have a cooking club, a gardening club, a biking club and a walking club," said Mr. Richert.

Both facilities offer instructional programs for members of all ages. Gunter Youth Center offers piano lessons, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jujitsu, dance, tumbling and magic lessons, said Mr. Richert.

Maxwell Youth Center offers Tae Kwon Do, jazz, tap, ballet, piano lessons and is planning on adding tutoring services soon, said Mr. Summers.

"Maxwell youth programs offers an active sports program," Mr. Summers said. Sports include flag football, basketball, baseball and tee ball, said Mr. Summers. Mr. Richert said the same sports are offered through the Gunter Youth Center. Both centers also provide Right Start sports programs for four and five year olds, said Mr. Summers.

The Maxwell and Gunter Youth Centers are also very proud of their "Fit Factor" programs. "Both the Gunter and Maxwell programs exceeded the mark set by the Air Force when it comes to participation," Mr. Richert said.

"Gunter Youth Center has been the Command Leader in participation twice since the program started; once in 2006 and again in 2008," said Mr. Richert.

The Web-based "Fit Factor" program gives youth an opportunity to log their physical activities and work to earn prizes, Mr. Summers said.

Youth looking for volunteer opportunities will find an abundance of options through the Youth Center, Mr. Richert said. "I would encourage students to visit www.congressionalaward.org to learn how they can earn a congressional award for their service as well," Mr. Richert said.

"The programs offered by Maxwell-Gunter Youth and School Age programs are a wonderful resource for military and civil service families," Mr. Richert said. "We want to make sure these families know the programs are available to them, so that they can take full advantage of what we have to offer."

Maxwell Youth Center is open for social recreation for pre-teens, ages 9-12, Monday-Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m. and Friday, 2 to 7 p.m. Teen hours, ages 13-18, are Monday-Thursday, 2 to 7 p.m. and Friday 2 to 9 p.m.

Gunter Youth Center is open Monday, 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 2 to 7 p.m.
For more information, on the School Age programs, call 416-6507 for Gunter and the 953-6171 for Maxwell.

For more information on the youth center activities, call 416-3436 for Gunter and 953-6292 for Maxwell.