Last week, I visited two great BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers in Virginia: Naval Air Station Oceana in Norfolk, and JEB Little Creek – Fort Story in Virginia Beach. They work hard to create deeper engagement with military-connected youth, both on- and off-installation.
Terrill McFarland, our National Vice President, Military & Outreach Services, and I were accompanied by Greg Young, Director, Navy Child and Youth Programs, and Brent Edwards, School-Age Care/Youth Program Coordinator, Navy Fleet and Family Readiness, who demonstrate a continuous commitment to enhancing services, programs and experiences for youth.
At JEB Little Creek, a significant portion of the building is being renovated to create additional space for teens, including a recording booth. Plans are also on the drawing board for further possible expansion.
Oceana’s indoor sports complex reminds me a lot of a Dave & Buster’s but on a smaller scale. Kids and families have access to batting cages, billiards, a golf simulator, skee ball, foosball and much more. Both Youth Centers also offer family fitness spaces, where parents and offspring can work out together. The main site is relatively new and includes the latest technology, separate spaces (inside and out) for various age groups and activity rooms. In the gymnasium, a gallery of fine arts contest participants featured amazing works by young artists.
In Virginia, Youth Center staff have created high-yield spaces with trained adults who deliver exceptional programs, including those that promote 21st century skills. From STEM to the arts to healthy lifestyles and creating great citizens.
These efforts to keep military-connected youth, and especially teens, engaged is no small matter. Today, over 75 percent of military families live off-installation, many with no immediate connection to other military families or youth and family services. Youth Centers offer a safe spot where kids can go before and after school, as well as during the summer.
On average, military youth move six to nine times before high school graduation, adjusting to new teachers, schoolmates, cultures and even academic standards. Such continual change can increase risk of falling behind or getting off track to graduate. Clubs and Youth Centers offer a place to interact with other kids who understand the unique life military-connected youth lead.
That’s why BGCA recently launched OPERATION: 250K, an initiative to connect 250,000 military-connected youth with Clubs through memberships, partnerships, outreach and engagement.
Terrill McFarland, our National Vice President, Military & Outreach Services, and I were accompanied by Greg Young, Director, Navy Child and Youth Programs, and Brent Edwards, School-Age Care/Youth Program Coordinator, Navy Fleet and Family Readiness, who demonstrate a continuous commitment to enhancing services, programs and experiences for youth.
At JEB Little Creek, a significant portion of the building is being renovated to create additional space for teens, including a recording booth. Plans are also on the drawing board for further possible expansion.
Oceana’s indoor sports complex reminds me a lot of a Dave & Buster’s but on a smaller scale. Kids and families have access to batting cages, billiards, a golf simulator, skee ball, foosball and much more. Both Youth Centers also offer family fitness spaces, where parents and offspring can work out together. The main site is relatively new and includes the latest technology, separate spaces (inside and out) for various age groups and activity rooms. In the gymnasium, a gallery of fine arts contest participants featured amazing works by young artists.
In Virginia, Youth Center staff have created high-yield spaces with trained adults who deliver exceptional programs, including those that promote 21st century skills. From STEM to the arts to healthy lifestyles and creating great citizens.
These efforts to keep military-connected youth, and especially teens, engaged is no small matter. Today, over 75 percent of military families live off-installation, many with no immediate connection to other military families or youth and family services. Youth Centers offer a safe spot where kids can go before and after school, as well as during the summer.
On average, military youth move six to nine times before high school graduation, adjusting to new teachers, schoolmates, cultures and even academic standards. Such continual change can increase risk of falling behind or getting off track to graduate. Clubs and Youth Centers offer a place to interact with other kids who understand the unique life military-connected youth lead.
That’s why BGCA recently launched OPERATION: 250K, an initiative to connect 250,000 military-connected youth with Clubs through memberships, partnerships, outreach and engagement.