Rave reviews from kids at Keesler Youth Center

Published Sept. 29, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore
81 Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Many children who attend the Keesler Youth Center's before- and after-school programs shared why they enjoy it so much and their answers revealed a variety of activities available through the programs.

"I like coming to the youth center because it's a time to have a little extra fun before going home," said 8-year-old Taylor Bills, son of Jacqulyn and James Bills, Keesler Weather Station.

"I love coming to the youth center to meet new friends and play with the counselors," said 12-year-old Michelle Gelacio, daughter of Tech Sgt. Jesus Gelacio, 81st Logistic Readiness Squadron, and Dora Gelacio, AAFES.

Naphtali Lamey, 12-year-old daughter of Tech. Sgt. Wrenroy and Germaine Lamey, 81st Communications Squadron, said, "I like coming to the youth center because of the activities we do and the counselors are really nice. The after-school program is very fun; I love the youth center!"

"The youth center counselors provide more than just oversight; they truly care about and interact with the children," said Ann Smith, 81st Force Support Squadron youth programs director. "They provide a wide range of fun and challenging activities to help children and youth build lifelong skills and interests. The center staff receives continuous training in Air Force standards, Boys and Girls Club programs, 4-H and youth development."

The before-school program allows parents of school-age children to take their children to the youth center as early as 5:45 a.m. Mrs. Smith explained that children interact with others in their age group, eat breakfast and meet in clubs and play in interest centers before boarding a bus and being taken to school.

For the after-school program, the youth center bus picks the children up from school and drives them to the youth center. The afternoons are filled with activities ranging from homework help, sports and outdoor activities to arts and crafts.

"I like to go to the youth center because I like to do my homework because I don't have any time at home," said 8-year-old Kaitlin Coburn, daughter of Petty Officer 1st Class David and Melissa Coburn, Keesler Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit.
"I like to play in the gym and go outside," said Darius Villamor, son of Tech. Sgt. Franco and Gemmalyn Villamor, 81st Medical Operations Squadron. His 12-year-old brother Christian said, "I love hanging out with my friends and going on the computers."

Seven-year old Brooke Brown, daughter of Tech Sgt. Tiffany Brown, 335th Training Squadron said, "I like to draw!"

For children ages 10 and up, open recreation is available until 7 p.m. Although space is limited, the youth center does transport youth in this age group to and from Biloxi Junior High School.

Once the open rec children arrive at the youth center, they do homework, have snacks, play games, have club meetings and work on projects.

Jaylin Bass, 8-year-old daughter of Patricia Benson-Bass and Tech Sgt. Bobby Bass, command post, said, "I like coming to the youth center because of everything!"

For more information about the youth center's before- or after-school programs, call 377-4116.