Youth Center provides teens creative outlet Published Nov. 30, 2015 By Catherine Noll-Blackford 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- We have all heard it from our children before: "Mom, dad, there is nothing to do!" Perhaps you have even said it yourself. Before you start to look outside the Cannon Air Force Base area for something to do, maybe you should try looking at some of the amazing facilities that are conveniently located on base. Because, guess what? The base Youth Center does have a lot to offer! The Youth Center is located across the street from the Shopette and is open from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Hours are divided appropriately into age groups: pre-teen (9 to 12 years old) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and teens (13-18 years old) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The center is also open for teens only Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Youth Center’s goal is to give teens the opportunity for growth by offering programs that provide recreational outlets for kids to develop physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities. This is done through the organized events, in a fun-filled environment that targets five core areas: character and leadership, the arts, fitness and recreations, health and life skills, and education and career development. We are also a proud partner of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and United States Department of Agriculture 4-H initiative. Within this umbrella of programming, we also have some amazing activities just waiting for teens to get involved in! The Youth Employment Skills Program offers monetary funds per hour of volunteer time as dollar credits for college. The Keystone/Air Force Teen Council gets the brain going with “Stimulate Your Mind” concepts. The Youth Center also allows different educational facilitators to come and speak on various subjects. Gaming tournaments, dances, themed movies nights and even learning the art of creating sushi – there is always something happening at the Youth Center. Additionally, the Youth Center also maintains a daily schedule of events that include a variety of arts and crafts, fitness activities and challenges. The schedule also encompasses training and educational goals to help teens succeed. The center is a safe place for teens to interact with one another; all the while learning to become independent, instilling a sense of ownership and pride as they run clubs, provide input on program ideas, get inspired and become involved. Parents are a key part for a successful youth program and are welcome to be involved in all areas of our program curriculum, during the special events and field trips that are set up for the teens throughout the calendar year. Come take part and see what we have to offer so the next time you hear that “there is nothing to do”, you will have the answer that yes, there is!