Youth Activities Center caters to kids

New Youth Activities Center Director Aaron Long shows his moves on the dance floor with a group of summer campers at the center.

The Open Recreation Program is a free program for ages kindergarten through 17 years and can include fitness programs, arts and crafts, Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H Programs and special Friday night events.

Summer campers enjoy a game of air hockey as their friends cheer them on at the Youth Activities Center.

The center is accredited by the National AfterSchool Association which grades youth centers on the staff's leadership skills, teamwork, family support and the success of their programs and services.

The YAC features 13,000 square feet of space which features six color-themed rooms with various activities to keep the children busy.

The teal room or "drama room" offers dress-up costumes, a home area and large TV for video games with beanbag chairs. Next door is the orange room or "work zone" which offers building blocks, Legos, Play-Do and a dollhouse.

In the purple room or "computer room," you will find numerous computer stations with that allow the kids to play video games and do research. The computers feature a special "cybersitter" that blocks children from getting on inappropriate sites. Across the way, is the green room or "science room" complete with several critters and plants. There is also a weather station, telescopes and an area for science experiments.

Youth Activities Center summer campers practice their pool shooting skills in the game room.

The blue room or "art room" has numerous arts supplies so those creative kids can create their masterpieces. The last room is the yellow room or "study hall" where the kids have a quiet place to do their homework or just relax.

There is also a game room in the center of the building complete with an air hockey, foos-ball and pool table, jukebox and Dance Revolution machine.

Taking over as the new YAC director is Aaron Long, who just arrived here after working with the Child and Youth Program (CYP) at NAS Brunswick, Maine. "I'm very excited to be here and am ready for some new challenges and fun. With the base closing there, I was fortunate to be able to stay with CYP and come here," said Long on his first day at the job. "I've been working with kids for about eight years. It's my career and passion. I enjoy working with kids and helping them become responsible and good-character adults."

"I tried working in a classroom as a teacher, but that really doesn't suit my personality. In this job, I get to help with homework, play during recess time, do science projects, work on the computer; it's everything all rolled into one. And I'm still educating the kids and helping them become positive individuals," continued Long.

In the future, Long plans to develop some new programs and bring in some new ideas. "The Navy has recently created a partnership with 4H called the 4-H Military Club so I'd really like to get that one up and off the ground. I also hope to continually develop our summer camp and school year programs," he continued. "Just because it worked in the past, things can get old. So, I'm trying to bring a fresh perspective in and keep things new, entertaining, exciting and keep the kids engaged with new ideas."

The center is open each school day from 6-8 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. On non-school weekdays, the center is open from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Rec hours from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information on the programs YAC offers, call 778-9772.

Meet Aaron Long, Youth Activities director " Originally from Florence, Ore. " Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Oregon University " Worked as a student teacher in Oregon. " Was an athletic director for a Boys and Girls Club in Oregon for nearly three years. " Worked with the Navy's Child and Youth Programs at NAS Brunswick, Maine for the past two and a half years. " Married to Alisa; then have a daughter, Azaria, 5, and son, Tyson, 1. " Is a huge Oregon Duck fan.