Teen center opens for business, provides recreational, social area

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A teen center, providing entertainment such as computer games, an MP3 and compact disc-compatible jukebox, dance machine, and computer room opened its doors here Nov. 17.

Cutting the ribbon was Col. Chad Manske, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Georgia Lau, RAF Mildenhall 's "Youth of the Year."

Currently, the center is open Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., though the 100th Force Support Squadron Youth Center plans on expanding the hours in the future, based on the needs of the teens using the facility.

"The center provides teens a safe and positive environment where they can participate in recreational activities, as well as socialize," Joan Goode, 100th FSS Youth Center director of youth programs, stated in an e-mail.

"They can also take part in activities and programs which help support their education, life skills, career preparation, as well as assisting in the transition through their teenage years into adulthood."

Ms. Goode added that through the teen program, youth can enroll in the Youth Employment Program, where volunteer hours can be converted into scholarship dollars for college.

"Teens can also participate in the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Program, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Program. The ultimate goal of the teen program is to help teens with their positive development and have fun doing it," she said.

For more information on the teen center, call DSN 238-2831.