Youth Center offers programs to fight summertime blues

  • Published
  • By Robert Wilson
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AFB, New Mexico --  To be bored is one of the worst things that can happen to a child. To be stuck in a room with a bored child is one of the worst things that can happen to an adult. Fortunately, there is a way out for both parent and child this summer. 

The Kirtland AFB Youth Center is offering dozens of fun programs to fight off summer boredom, from Photography Camp to a Tinker Town visit. Some activities, like the Youth Employment Skills program and the Tae-Kwon-Do lessons, are available year-round, while others, such as the School Age Program Summer Camp and Girl's Night Out, are just for the summer. The available programs are many and varied, and effective anti-boredom shields. 

These programs will include: 

· School Age Program Summer Camp: Eligible children ages 5-12 can join this camp and enjoy various trips, projects, new friends and all-around fun. Contracts are available on a weekly basis for the entire summer. Spaces are limited so preregister today. 

· Girls Night Out: A girls-only pajama party for ages 10-14. June 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a night of movies, manicures and snacks. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for others. 

· Missoula Children's Theatre: Actors and actresses ages 6-18 wanted for a summer production! Auditions will be held June 9 at 9 a.m. Cost is free for members and $15 for others. 

· Outdoor adventure: It's nice and warm outside right? So why not take advantage of that? This terrific program offers hikes, picnics and orienteering in the great outdoors! It will be held June 16-19 and the cost is $25 for members and $30 for others and includes picnic lunches. 

· Parent's Night Out: June 20 from 6:30-10:30 p.m., ages 6-12, cost is $10 for members and $15 for others. 

· iT'Z Trip: June 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for ages 9-18. iT'Z a great time for some family fun! This trip includes lunch, two attractions and a five-dollar iT'Z card. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for others.

· Photography Camp: June 23-26 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This camp uses the 4-H curriculum to teach the basics of SLR 35mm and digital cameras to budding photographers. Point, click and shoot and learn basic photography. Cost is $30 for members and $40 for others. Space is limited. 

Yearly membership is $30 per child and includes unlimited use of the facility, member prices on trips, programs and youth sports. 

Open recreation hours for the summer are: Monday through Thursday from 1-7 p.m.; Fridays from 1-9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed on Sunday. 

Daily programs, free to members, are: Monday, member's choice; Tuesday, Arts and Crafts; Wednesday, Fit Factor and Life Skills; Thursday, multimedia and technology; Friday, tournament action and Saturday, member's choice. 

There are many other great programs and outings scheduled for July and August like a Tram trip, basketball camp, Cliff's and others. For times and more information please call the Youth Center at 853-5437.