Spring break at YAC; Fun for kids, easy on parents

NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department Youth Activities Center (YAC) offers an extensive line of services to military members that rival any other arrangement parents can come up with. Spring break childcare woes were once again put to rest for the parents of those who attended the annual Spring Break Camp.

The YAC held provided quality childcare for 45, enthusiastic children who needed to be looked after during the day. The children participated in several exciting activities that included trips to the NAS Jax indoor swimming pool, Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant and NAS Jax Freedom Lanes Bowling Alley. Arts and crafts were big items on the children's to-do list and the center is designed around the belief that children should exercise their imagination.

Children enjoyed playing make-believe in the dress-up area and others relaxed in the music and computer area.

Lunch was served outside in the pavilion daily and the kids were able to enjoy the beautiful weather that came along with spring break.

"Here at YAC, we keep the children busy and entertained. It is a very organized environment that keeps the kids focused on what they are doing and not focused on where mom or dad are," commented YAC Teen Coordinator Amanda Christmas.

Natalia Ewton, 6 and Dane Larocque, 6, choose their bowling balls as they patiently wait their turn to hit the lanes at NAS Jax Freedom Lanes March 22.

"We always see children who may seem uneasy at first, but they are begging to stay and to keep coming back after one day of visiting the center."

The atmosphere of the YAC is fun for the children and every avenue of interest is addressed by the center's staff. Everyone has something to do there and the kids are never bored.

"I love coming here! I get to play with my friend, Brooke, who I met in summer camp," stated Treyvon Benjamin, 10. "There's no homework here and a ton of stuff to do!"

All of the children had smiles from ear to ear and talked animatedly about being at the center for the week of spring break.

"I have no trouble keeping busy. I play basketball, video games and they even have computers we can use," added James Spates. "When my mom wakes me up in the morning, I am happy to hop out of bed because I know that I get to go to the YAC and I am ready to go ahead and start my day."

Dane Larocque, 6, throws a ball down the lane in hopes of a strike while the Youth Activities Center group visited NAS Jax Freedom Lanes March 22.

The activities that the center has to offer is a pretty neat feature when it comes to entrusting the personal growth of your child to someone else's care. However, the staff in itself is pretty amazing.

Each staff member is certified and has gone through rigorous and thorough background checks.

One can see the genuine care that the staff provide for the children who attend the center. Whether it shows in a smile, a hug or even a helping hand, the children are safe and comfortable with the YAC team and that is a pretty good feeling for both the children and the parents.

"I love the teachers here because they take us to fun places and because they are so nice to me," said Dane Larocque, 6.

Natalia Ewton, 6, takes advantage of some quiet time to read a book in the designated reading area equipped with bean bags and foot rests.

Even though spring break has come to an end, the YAC is already gearing up for summer. Summer Camp registration packets are now available for pick-up at the YAC until April 23 and registration day is April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information on the YAC, contact the center's staff at 778-9772.