Youth center programs can keep kids engaged during holiday season Published Dec. 9, 2009 LITTLE ROCK AFB, Ark. -- As the holidays near, some parents face the prospect of hyperactive children or bored teenagers hanging around the house. Many base youth centers will offer activities to keep them positively engaged. During the Year of the Air Force Family, AMC is increasing awareness about existing programs that are in place to enhance the lives of Airmen and family members, such as youth center programs. "We strive to meet the interests and needs of all youth and to assist Airmen in performing their duties more effectively by providing them support in their role as parents," Ms. Dauber said. AMC received $150,000 from headquarters Air Force to fund youth camps for the upcoming year. Youth centers throughout AMC submitted proposals for youth camps with requests for funding. The themes ranged from sports to theater to outdoor adventure. Special programs to be held by Little Rock AFB Youth Center during December include an Arkansas Skatium Trip, Playtime Pizza Trip and Laser Tag Camp. Such programs provide opportunities for military children to enjoy friendship, achievement, leadership, and recognition, Ms. Dauber said. "For many youth, this is a 'home away from home,' a place where they can feel comfortable and safe," she said. Holiday Fun Camps for Youth Arkansas Skatium Trip Get your holidays off to fun start with trip to a great ice skating arena and roller rink. The trip is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 19. The event is free and open to ages 9 to 18. Registration priority will be given to youth of deployed personnel. Trip includes a complimentary meal. A parental permission form must be completed at sign up. Please register at the Youth Center Annex located in the back of bldg. 868 by Thursday. Playtime Pizza Trip Enjoy go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf and killer video at Arkansas's best indoor amusement park. The trip is scheduled from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22. The event is free and open to ages 9 to 18. Registration priority will be given to youth of deployed personnel. An unlimited buffet meal is included in the trip. Bring money for extra attractions and games! A parental permission form must be completed at sign up. Please register at the Youth Center Annex located in the back of bldg. 868 by Dec. 21. For more information, call 987-6355. Laser Tag Camp Learn to play Little Rock AFB's Tactical Laser Tag, it's a real life gaming experience! The event is scheduled from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29. Registration priority will be given to youth of deployed personnel. Camp includes complimentary pizza too. Please register at the Youth Center Annex located in the back of bldg. 868 by Thursday. A parental permission form must be completed at sign up. For more information on these and other Youth Center programs, call 987-6355. (Information courtesy of AMC Public Affairs and Little Rock AFB Youth Programs)