MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- For many people, when they think of a Youth and Teen Center they think of a video games, computers and maybe some board games, right? Well, the Youth and Teen Center does provide all of those things, but the days of just providing a recreational facility are gone away.
Because the Youth and Teen Center is affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of America, the program has five corps programs they are required to uphold.
The first corps program, character and leadership development, provides the youth with Youth of the Year, Torch Club and Keystone Club.
The Youth of the Year program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.
The Torch Club is for boys and girls ages 10-12 and is geared to youth accomplishing activities in four corps areas which include service to club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.
“It’s really fun to learn things from the Torch Club,” said Emily Pelletier, a member of the Youth and Teen Center. “We worked to raise money to go on trips, like car washes and working at Friendship Day.”
The Keystone Club is a smallgroup leadership and service club for youth ages 13-18. Through engaging character and leadership development opportunities, the program fosters positive peer interaction, encourages good citizenship and prepares the youth to have a voice.
The second corps program, education and career development, offers classes including Power Hour, Career Launch, Ultimate Journey, Money Matters, Job Ready and CLUBService.
“We really want to make sure these kids are prepared for what comes after high school,” said Eugene Clark, supervisor for Youth and Teen Center.
Health and Life Skills, taught by Midge White, Mathew C. Perry High School adolescent substance abuse counselor, teaches right decision making in all types of situations.
The Youth and Teen Center’s arts program offers a fine arts exhibit, digital arts suite and ImageMakers, a national photography program.
The last of the corps programs is the sports, fitness and recreation portion which focuses on keeping the youth fit and physically active.
But the Iwakuni Youth and Teen Center doesn’t stop at what is required of them; they also provide several different clubs, including the tech club; game club and photo club, youth sports, like basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball and volleyball; and Youth for Unity, which gives the youth a chance to interact and get along with different local cultures.
“We took 32 of the kids to the Youth for Unity trip to Yokota, and 15 of them had never been away from their parents before,” said Clark. “It was a real confidence builder, and it gives us a chance to become part of that family connection.”
During the summer months, the center also offered reading and math programs, as well as beginners Spanish and French.
Clark encourages station members to volunteer at the center if they have any talents or skills they want to share with the youth.
“I really like meeting all of the kids and interacting with them,” said Tami Moreno, a volunteer at the center. “It’s a great environment to be in.”
Youth and teens can come to the center as they please. For ages 10-12 hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays. For ages 13-18 hours are from 12-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12-8 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays.
For membership registration forms and parental permission forms, visit mccsiwakuni.com.