Youth center holds Boys and Girls Clubs Day for Kids

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Lunney Youth Center is encouraging parents and children to come out and spend meaningful time together this weekend.

The Boys and Girls Clubs Day for Kids will be held in the Lunney Youth Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

"We'd love for parents to come out and participate with their children," said Kayline Hamilton, 35th Services Squadron director of youth programs. "It's a chance for them to talk, listen, learn and play with their children."

The event will be similar to a carnival with games and activities that will put parents and children together, such as three-legged and potato sack races. Food will also be available. In addition, there will be two prizes given away every 30 minutes.

"This year we are going to have some things we haven't had in the past, such as the mini-train and bumper cars," said Mr. Hamilton. "Everything will be free. It's geared for people to come out and have fun."

In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors at the youth center.

This annual event is part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. It is held every third Saturday in September. The Air Force became associated with the Boys and Girls Club in the early 1990's. Through its affiliation, the Air Force offers such programs as the Youth of the Year, Career Launch, Money Matters, Job Ready, Keystone Club, Torch Club, Photography Club, and Smart Club. All of these programs are available at Misawa.
"One of our biggest programs is the Power Hour," said Mr. Hamilton. "It's a homework study program we run from 3 to 4 p.m., where the children sit down with their homework and the staff helps them."

A registration booth will be set-up Saturday for any one not already a member of the youth or teen centers. Registration is not required for Saturday's event.

"We are always looking to increase our membership," said Mr. Hamilton. "Programs like Saturday's showcase our services and encourage non-members to sign-up."

Upcoming events include the Fit Factor Re-launch and Nickelodeon World-Wide Day of Play Sept. 29. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Edgren High School and will feature a number of track and field activities.

For more information any of the youth and teen centers' programs, call 226-3220.