ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
April is designated Month of the Military Child and Vince Eure, the base Youth Programs director, and his team at the Youth Center are celebrating this time with exciting kids programs and events.
"In February 1986, Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger established April as the 'Month of the Military Child,' underscoring the importance of military children and their role in military families," said Mr. Eure. "The military provides protection and defense for the U.S., and in turn military children make great sacrifices. They must live with uncertainty and concern for their parents on a daily basis. Many families learn to be flexible, but extended hours and long deployments can be difficult for military children."
The 316th Services Squadron kicked off the month with 'Parents Night Out.' The program allows parents a free evening when they drop their 6 to 12 year-old children at the Youth Center for dinner, movie and activities and 6 week-old to kindergarten age children can also participate in the program at Child Development Center II.
The Youth Center also started its monthly summer special movie night, featuring the movie "Nancy Drew," on its giant inflatable screen, hosted a teen karaoke and game night, and celebrated Earth Day with planting seeds and cleaning up the Youth Center grounds.
Upcoming events include tonight's Game Night for 9 to 18 year-olds including bingo, ping pong, foos ball, pool and air hockey tournaments.
The first-ever Mr. and Ms. Andrews Teen Pageant is April 26 at the Reel Time Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $3 per person or $5 at the door.
Another annual favorite, the Spring Family Fest is also April 26 at the Youth Center, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy activities such as the trackless train, moon bounce, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a scavenger hunt on the Yuma Trail.
"Sometimes I don't think our children are told often enough how important and supportive it is to us when we come home from a difficult day and we see them smile," said Mr. Eure. "Our children give us the energy and desire to put the uniform on each day to protect and defend this great nation for their future way of life."
For more information on Youth Center programs, call 301-981-5636.