Dover AFB

Michael Flammer attempts a layup while Keondere Robinson defends during a pickup game May 2, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Youth Center. Basketball and other sports will be one of the many programs offered by the Youth Center’s Summer Camp program, held June 20 – Aug. 19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adrian Rowan)

Dover AFB

Asaiah Jones (left) plays a card game with Karalyne Handley and CourDe’ Walston May 2, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Youth Center. The Youth Center is holding a summer camp program June 20 – Aug. 19 and will offer varied trips to its attendees such as Washington D.C. and local attractions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adrian Rowan)

Dover AFB

Karlijn Jones preps to clean the rabbit enclosure May 2, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Youth Center. The Youth Center is holding a summer camp program June 20 – Aug. 19 and will offer a curriculum based on keeping the children engaged and learning through play all summer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adrian Rowan)

Dover AFB

Kaylin Mayers works on a tie-dye butterfly May 2, 2011, at the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Youth Center. The Youth Center is holding a summer camp program June 20 – Aug. 19, which is designed to keep the children engaged while promoting learning through play. (U.S. Air Force photo by Adrian Rowan)

Summer fun at the Youth Center

Published May 3, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Summer is a special time of year for the youth of America -- school is out. They have no more teachers, homework or early wake-up calls to catch the bus. For many children, it is a time of adventure and hanging around the neighborhood. For the children of Dover Air Force Base, Del., there is an opportunity to experience something not many other children do - the Youth Center Summer Camp program.

The Youth Center's Summer Camp program is for school age children between the ages of 5-12 and registration begins at 9 a.m. May 10. The camp runs from June 20 to Aug. 19. Attendees will be served breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.

There is also a "Trips for Teens" program offered to dependents between the ages of 13-18. They will take trips to Rehoboth Beach, Del., Washington D.C., amusement parks and other locations.

The camp program, which focuses on the whole family, is also open to parents who would like to participate in activities with their children. There will also be parents/children vs. staff kick-ball games held throughout the summer.

"Our goal with offering this camp experience is to keep the children's minds focused," said Bonnie McGill, 436th Force Support Squadron school-age coordinator. "We want to introduce them to the various arts and sciences and keep them growing over the summer."

Many activities will be offered including swimming, bowling, dancing classes and trips to the Dover AFB's new Liberty Park and Brecknock Park in Camden, Del.

"The camp gives the kids a lot of opportunities they might not normally get," said Ms. McGill. "It gives them a variety of things to do over the summer in an environment that is safe and secure, so the parents don't have to worry where their children are."

A crew from Missoula's Children's Theater will be in town Aug. 15-19 for camp attendees who aspire to be actors, or at least try their hand at it. The troupe will work with children on a production of "The Secret Garden" which the children will perform Aug. 19.

There is also a Destination Imagination camp June 20-24. This camp challenges participants with many different situations for them to conquer. One day they may have to put on an improvisational skit, and the next day they could be tasked to design a structure that can bear a certain weight.

"The reason we work so well is the fun factor," said Ms. McGill. "Not only do we make sure the kids have fun, but the staff have fun. What the kids do, they do."

At the end of the summer the program culminates with family picnic for camp attendees and their families.