AYP's teen center gives teens more freedom

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano Youth Programs' Open Recreation and Teen Center has recently made changes to offer dependents from the ages of 9 to 18 an improved before-and-after-school program.

Some of the new activities parents will see for their children include: Professionally trained staff members to assist the children, more activities to choose from and for the older participants--more independence on how they want to spend their time.

"The idea for open rec is to not give the kids the feeling like they are back in school," said Jessica Martinez, 31st Force Support Squadron youth programs coordinator. "Our goal is to get the kids engaged as much as possible-- so we give them choices to go to gym, join clubs and do other fun daily activities."

Martinez says that once a student signs in before or after school, they have an abundance of activities available to them including video games, a pool table, arts and crafts, and any supplies they would need for homework. While there are professionally trained staff members available for any questions students may have with school work, they are also there to help make positive changes.

"One of the biggest changes parents will see for their kids of ages 14 to 18 are the activities or clubs they can participate in," said Martinez. "For the children that want to stay, our new counselors provide classes to help prepare them for life after high school such as managing their money, tips for applying to college, finding scholarships and writing resumes."

According to Martinez, the older teens are given the responsibility of organizing and decorating their space, giving them a more independent experience at the center. The teens are also eligible to participate in social activities outside of the building including lock-ins, cook-outs and field trips.

"The best thing I like about open rec is being able to help my community," said Jourdin McCray, Open Rec and Teen Center member and daughter of Master Sgt. Paul McCray Jr. "This program gives us the freedom to make sure our goals are reached. Open rec is really helping me find scholarships I can apply for and prepare myself for college."

Although scholarships opportunities are available to the older children preparing for college, all dependents enrolled can participate in a monthly Boy's and Girls' Club contest that awards adolescents with a $250 prize.

The three-month membership costs $23 for children ages 9 to 13 and $26 for ages 14 to 18. With the membership, parents also receive discounts for the AYP's instructional classes such as karate, dance, summer camps and the sports programs.

To enroll a child into the Open Rec and Teen Center program, please call the AYP at 632-7575.