Barksdale Youth Center offer summer program for kids

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Sandoval
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Children at the Barksdale Youth Center participate in summer camps focused on several different areas including science, life skills and education. These programs are offered through a 4-H grant. 

"We offer these programs to keep children active," said Victor Santana, Barksdale's Youth Center director. "This also helps to take the focus away from a parent being deployed." 

The camps are one week and run through August. In 2009 the youth center has offered two camps, Rocketry Camp for ages 7 to 17 years old and a Sewing Camp for children ages 10 to 18 years old. 

Rocketry Camp introduced the children to space and propulsion. The children started with basic baking soda and water to the final stage of building a rocket and launching them.
 
The sewing camp began with the introduction to the supplies and naming parts of the sewing machine. Participants begin with the basic types of stitching and gradually increase to where the participants make scarves, pillows and draw string bags. 

"I think the camps are worthwhile and a great learning experience for the children," said Mr. Santana. "For some, it is also a great way to be involved with other peers." 

A total of 40 children participate in the programs during the summer. 

"I was inspired during the rocketry camp," said Daniel Benjamin, 8, son of Shannon Benjamin, 2d Dental Squadron. "It was so fun. I learned about rockets and Mars. This camp gave me things to think about when I decided what I want to be when I grow up." 

The camp also provides a social learning environment. 

"I hope the children receive confidence, a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being part of a team and meeting new friends," said Mr. Santana. "These camps keep their minds focused on others things to helps them to de-stress." 

Many other activities are being held at the youth center such as the youth employment skills program a teen and pre-teen sports program and the normal before and after school programs are still being held. 

Plans for an additional robotics camps are being discussed. 

For more information on youth programs, contact the Barksdale Youth Center at 456-3448.