Children in the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield School Age Services Photography Club at Stewart helped parents and CYSS staff cut the ribbon in Thunder Run at Club Stewart to signify the beginning of the 2012 Boys and Girls Club Image Makers Photog...

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Club Stewart's Thunder Run restaurant was transformed into a small art gallery March 19 when children in the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield School Age Services Photography Club at Stewart, helped cut the ribbon to signify the beginning of the 2012 Boys and Girls Club Image Makers Photography Exhibition Contest.

The children range in age from six to 18 and were able to capture the world through the lens of cameras to share with others in the community. Ten-year-old Daija Rafael gave many reasons as to why she liked being a member of the club.

"We are out at the playground getting pictures," Rafeal said. "[We are] trying to see what we could make out of the pictures. The best part is that we got to go places [to take pictures]."

A novice photographer, John Holbrook, SAS computer lab tech and photography club instructor, said he enjoyed teaching children in the club the art of photography, and he picked up a few pointers of his own along the way.

"[With] materials that the Boys and Girls Club provides, you can learn a lot yourself … so, I'm learning while the kids learn also," Holbrook said. "The kids get to have a chance to get out and try to look at what's artistic … and how to use a little bit of imagination instead of just snapping the first thing [they see]."

Sergeant First Class Yomaira Adames, 385th Military Police Battalion, Third Infantry Division, said the program is important for her daughter's future.

"It [the program] allows my child to create whatever she feels," Sgt. 1st Class Adames said. "By doing photography, she can express herself and show the public what she can do … in the photography world."

Throughout the week, the photos were displayed in the lobby at Club Stewart. A few Army Civilians from Stewart served as judges. The winning photographs from this round will compete in the national contest level.

Most of the children currently in the club will move at the end of the school year due to their parent(s) permanent change of station orders. Holbrook said they, at SAS, are in need of other children interested in photography to sign up for the program.