Mentoring McConnell's youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A permanent change of station can bring a great deal of change to each individual involved. The Airman must learn how to fit into the new squadron, and the spouse is put in the midst of new base community and often children are separated from their friends.

The staff at the 22nd Force Support Squadron Youth Center provide Team McConnell's children with a safe environment for them to make friends and adjust to their new home.

"Youth centers around the Air Force follow the same rules," said Ben Gaines, 22nd FSS Youth Center teen coordinator, "so we'll have kids come in and say 'Hey, I'm from North Dakota,' and run off like they've been [at McConnell AFB] for ten years."

The Youth Center here provides children from the ages of nine to 17 a variety of different activities, clubs and social events to keep them entertained and in a safe environment while their parents are at work.

"We've got a diverse program," said Gaines. "We have everything from cooking, art and sports to tips on helpful life skills."

A popular event held in the youth center is the bi-annual lock-in, where participants play in multiple activities and stay the night at the youth center or a designated location.

Some of the events hosted by the youth center include two teen and two pre-teen lock-ins every year, the 'Wanna Play?' program in September, an fishing derbies and an annual kids fun run, said Gaines.

With three staff members working at the center, each individual can make a big difference in the environment for the children.

"The attitude of the staff here keeps the kids coming back," said James Jolliff, 22nd FSS Youth Center director. "We all try to help the kids do the most with what they have."

While the children and staff certainly enjoy their time at the center, parents can be just as thrilled.

"I grew up with a boys club and I honestly can say that the McConnell Youth Center is far superior in every regard," said Tech. Sgt. Marvin Rhodeman, 22nd FSS lodging NCO in-charge. "The setting of the Youth Center is secure and safe. I have had six [of my] children utilize it."

One way the youth center staff keeps its visitors happy is by providing them with plenty of other children their own age to befriend, so parents are encouraged to enroll their children in the program.

"[The staff] is friendly, personable, and most importantly they like working with youths," said Rhodeman. "I highly encourage all parents and guardians to allow their children to experience the McConnell Youth Center activities."

For more information, call the youth center at (316) 759-4070.