Learning doesn't stop at the end of a school day. Fort Belvoir youth can continue developing their talents and knowledge by joining the Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills Unlimited program.
SKIES Unlimited, sponsored by Fort Belvoir's Child, Youth and School Services, offers various afterschool activities designed to expand participants' intelligence, creativity and maturity. The activities, open to children from infancy to high school seniors, include instruction in dance, golf, martial arts and fitness. Participants must be dependents of Department of Defense civilians, active or retired military members, Guard or Reserve on active-duty orders for more than 72 hours. Dependents must also be registered with CYSS.
Sherry Bryant, CYSS Outreach Services director, encourages parents to sign their children up for the SKIES program and watch their children grow within a safe and nurturing afterschool environment.
"SKIES provides great opportunities to connect with peers, adults, teachers and trainers to promote lifelong learners who feel comfortable and confident with themselves and their environment," Bryant said. "This presents an opportunity to build individual knowledge and leadership skills, practice social skills and experiment with various activities and programs."
The Army developed the SKIES program to help keep young people learning and engaged in activities during afterschool hours. Keeping students engaged during the critical hours from 3 to 8 p.m., decreases the chances of students participating in undesirable behavior, Bryant said.
SKIES activities are Monday through Saturday in individual, monthly, summer and year-long sessions. Some activities, such as dance lessons, allow students to develop skills at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Other activities, such as driver's education, occur on a short-term basis. Every course is designed to help children grow. The First Tee Golf program, for instance, develops character skills through golf lessons and the Princess Tea Party course teaches etiquette.
"Students have unique opportunities to explore a new skill, to take risks in pursuing and nurturing personal interests, to interact socially with others, to build self esteem, and to foster close relationships with caring, knowledgeable adults and peers outside of home," Bryant said. "This will allow them to enhance their overall view of community and how they can play a vital role."
Paula Burnam, CYSS Outreach Services assistant director, sends her daughter to the SKIES dance program. Burnam said her daughter's confidence has grown tremendously and Burnam recommends SKIES services to parents.
"They're happy when they come here and the courses build their confidence," Burnam said. "This also serves as a camaraderie builder for children because they can socialize and relate to each other."
Karen Gerace, SKIES Unlimited administrative assistant, also recommends parents sign their children up for classes.
"This program helps children stay on the right track in life," Gerace said. "It shows them the opportunities life offers."
For more information call the SKIES Unlimited office at (703) 805-9146. To register for classes, go to the Markham School Age Center, 9500 Barlow Road or call (703) 805-1908.
Afterschool instructors interested in becoming contractors with the SKIES program can email patricia.a.fries4.naf@mail.mil for more information.
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