Youth Center offers free programs, camps

  • Published
  • By Sandra Latchford
  • 60th Force Support Squadron, Youth Center
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Now is the time for interested Travis teens to apply for teen aviation, teen leadership and space camp.

Those selected in the past have had great learning experiences, plus, have to used the prestige of being selected on their college applications.

Teen Aviation Camp takes place from June 1 through 6. The intent of this camp is to give all attendees an experience that will help them determine if aviation or the Air Force Academy is the right choice for them. The camp will be held at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Teen Aviation Camp is for high-school students entering their sophomore or junior year in the fall. Teens who participated in the 2012 camp are not eligible to apply this year. Attendees are selected based upon information included in their application.

Teen Leadership Camp is for high-school freshmen who have completed ninth grade prior to camp to seniors. The camp will take place July 7 through 12. The focus is on leadership, team dynamics and peer mentorship. This camp is held at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Space camp takes place at the United States Space and Rocket Center located in Huntsville, Ala. From July 28 through Aug. 2, youth will experience, imagine and interact through space-shuttle-mission simulators, tours of the center and the chance to witness first-hand the everyday challenges faced by astronauts. This camp is divided into two groups. Youth ages 12 to 14, will attend space or robots academy and teens ages 15 to 18 will attend aviation challenge.

Each camp is free for military families, however, any traveling, lodging and spending costs are the responsibility of the participant. Each camp has its own eligibility criteria. For specific instructions, visit the youth programs website at http//www.afyouth programs.com.

Teens may only attend one camp, but can apply to all three. Only applications in their original format with digital signature are accepted. Applications must be labeled with first initial, last name and camp preference. For example, if John Smith's first choice is teen aviation, then space camp and, finally, teen leadership, the application would be labeled: jsmithta1sp2tl3.doc.

The deadline for submitting a completed application to the Youth Center is March 1. Please send all completed applications to sandra.latchford@us.af.mil.

If you need additional assistance, stop by the Youth Center or call 424-5392. The Youth Center is located at Bldg. 7763.