Youth center offers activities for base children

  • Published
  • By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With the final days of school fast approaching, the Laughlin Youth Center wants parents to know about the many activities available for their kids this summer.

The various programs offered in the coming months are geared to getting the youth of Laughlin out of the house and into a wide range of low-cost activities.

"We want to continue to develop Air Force youth and ensure their interests and needs are met throughout the summer," said Justin Jenkins, Laughlin Youth Center director.
Some of the activities being offered in the coming months are:

The Del Rio Laughlin Soccer League for boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Parents can register their children through the youth center for $60, which includes uniform costs. To register, children need a birth certificate, current physical and a copy of a utility bill showing residency in Del Rio. Practices will begin here at Laughlin in late August.

The Armed Forces Kids Run, an annual Air Force wide event, will be held May 19 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Losano Fitness Center. The event is free for participants and is open to children ages 5 and up, and registration may be done at http://americaskidsrun.org/.

The Laughlin Annual Fishing Derby, which is a free fishing tournament for children, is scheduled for June 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Leaning Pines golf course. At noon, a party celebrating the end of the school year will be held. All ages are welcome and those attending must provide their own fishing equipment.

Starting June 4 a seven-week dance camp will begin at the fitness center with different types of dance classes being offered for children of all ages and adults at a variety of times throughout the day. The cost is $60 per class with a discount available if more than one class is taken.

The Lil Rams Sports Clinic is a week-long program at the fitness center dedicated to teaching youths 3-to 5-years-old the skills needed in future sports participation. The course will run from June 11 to 15 between 5 and 6 p.m. and costs $35 per youth.

The Air Force Dance Camp held at the fitness center is camp designed to teach dance to youths between the ages of 7 and 16. It is scheduled for June 18 to 22 at $10 per youth.

From June 25 to 29 the Summer Basketball Clinic will help develop basketball skills for ages 8 to 16 at the fitness center. The program costs $35.

Another event is the Missoula Children's Theater, a traveling theater group that will be at Laughlin Aug. 6 to 10. Youth from kindergarten to 12th grade can audition for a part in the play on Aug. 6 at 10:00 a.m. Those selected will rehearse for a week with the group before performing "The Frog Prince" Aug. 10.

For teens, the Youth Center is running a junior volunteer program designed for ages 14 to 18 looking for work place experience in locations across the base. To request an application contact the 47fss.youthcenter@us.af.mil. Applicants will be interviewed and placed in an area related to their interests.

For more information on upcoming events, registration and volunteer opportunities contact Jenkins at 298-5343.