As summer approaches, many military Families begin planning for school breaks, changing schedules and balancing work and Family responsibilities. The Army Child and Youth Services offers a variety of summer youth programs and childcare options designed to support Soldiers, Army Civilians and Families while helping children and teens stay engaged, active and connected throughout the summer months.
“CYS programs are designed to help the child or youth build within them a positive self-concept that generates feelings of acceptance and respect for individuality. We believe in designing programs where children and youth have opportunities to participate individually or as a group in appropriate developmental activities that allow for optimal social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive growth,” said Donna K. Garfield, Chief of Child, Youth and School Services Division.
For younger children, CYS provides full-day summer camps and child development programs that combine structured learning with fun seasonal activities. Programs often include arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, reading programs, sports and field trips. School-age children can participate in summer camps and specialty programs that promote exploration and social connection. Teen programs through CYS offer older youth opportunities to stay active, connected and involved during the summer months.
“The focus of summer programming within (the School Age Center) is on fun, exploration and building friendships, giving youth a summer full of memories while keeping parents confident their youth is in great hands. The activities within the Youth Center programs are fun, diverse and youth driven. The goal of this program is to provide youth with many wide-ranging recreational, social, leadership and volunteer opportunities that will ultimately prevent at-risk behavior during the transition from childhood to young adulthood,” Garfield said.
Families can contact their local CYS Parent Central Services Office for more information on registration and enrollment. Families interested in summer programs are encouraged to register at militarychildcare.com. More information about Army Child, Youth and School Services, including child care resources, youth centers, sports and fitness programs, school support services, and Army Fee Assistance, is available at the CYS website.
Summer programs through Army CYS help children stay engaged, active and connected while giving Families trusted support during one of the busiest times of the year. From childcare and camps to leadership and recreational activities, CYS continues to provide programs that strengthen military Families and help Army youth thrive.
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