Teens learn confidence, more at Youth Center

  • Published
  • By April Crampton
  • 436th Services Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Over the past several months the Dover Air Force Base Youth Center's Teen Programs have been expanding in new directions to enhance knowledge and experience for teens. 

"One of the new initiatives that became available to us was a set of training sessions brought to us by a representative of the Dale Carnegie Training group," said Kristy Grove, Youth Center Teen Program coordinator. "He explained that his company wanted to give something back to the military and felt that sponsoring 30 training slots for the teens of active duty military would be a great way to say thank you."
The course offered helps build self confidence, enhance communication skills, interpersonal skill development, teamwork and leadership skills and effective attitude management. 

"I see that the teens are surer of themselves in their everyday life. I know that it will also show in their college and job interviews," Gary Winings, Youth Center director said.
"Through this training I have learned how to control worry and stress and have enhanced my communication skills," said Gerald Rocha Jr., 17. 

Other programs available to the teens are the Youth Employment Skills program, which teaches them how to find college financial aid. 

"The Youth Employment Skills program offers high school dependants of active duty Air Force members an opportunity to learn valuable work skills while having a positive impact on the base community," said Mrs. Grove. 

According to Mrs. Grove, the YES program allows all certified and enrolled high school students to 'bank' volunteer dollar credits toward their post-secondary education or training at a rate of four dollars per hour. They must volunteer in an approved job on the base. Students may accumulate up to 250 hours, for a potential $1,000 maximum 'bank' for college or technical training. 

"I joined the program because I needed volunteer hours for high school," said Nicholas Slater, 14. "It is a good way to help out my community and see my friends, too. Also, the program gives me chances to find scholarships." 

Along with the YES program for the teens, Mrs. Grove works closely with the Airman and Family Readiness Center providing training for youths. 

"The A&FRC performs training classes for the teens in money management, resume writing and college financial aid," said Mrs. Grove. "The courses help the teens prepare for college and their futures." 

"These teens are our future," said Mr. Winings. "We want them to have as many skills and tools as possible to be successful in their lives." 

Sometimes teens are rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
"The teens have been giving so much time and effort towards learning and volunteering that we felt they should be recognized in a special way," said Mrs. Grove. "We took them on a trip to Medieval Times." 

For more information on these and other programs for teens, call Mrs. Grove at 677-6383. 

No federal endorsement of sponsor intended.