ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Matrice Adger, 316th Services Squadron Youth and Teen Center teen director, is busy at work in her new position revitalizing the teen program at the center.
"It has been almost two years since the teens of Andrews have had a teen director-someone to focus on programs and events for them," said Ms. Adger. "My role as teen director is to build the population of the teens back up and get them into the center to participate in these outstanding programs that we offer. It's my job to implement, create activities, events and programs that will appeal to the teen population. I am also there to assist and support the other staff and directors with their programs and activities, as well."
Designed to provide a safe and positive environment for teens, the Youth and Teen Center offers a wide range of activities in sports, classes and social programs. The center focuses on six core areas including character and leadership, the arts, health and life skills, education and career, sports, fitness and recreation and specialized initiatives.
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the youth program's goals of helping their children become responsible and healthy adults Ms. Adger said. "I feel it is part of my job to involve parents to the point that they want their teens to be involved in these programs.
"Once parents leave the base from work, it may not be convenient for them to return, but through the diligent work of those at the Youth and Teen Center and myself," said Ms. Adger, "I hope the programs we will offer for teens and youth will encourage parents to involve their children in these positive, healthy and safe activities, events and functions. Parents can expect that the staff at the Youth and Teen Center will help their children become responsible and healthy citizens of society and future leaders."
One of Ms. Adger's first priorities is to re-establish the Keystone Club, a character and leadership group for youth ages 14 to 18. "The Keystone Club will be at the heart of the teen programs," she said.
Ms. Adger was previously involved in the Holloman AFB Keystone Club which won several southwest regional awards for various events and community service projects and won three national awards. She was named the 2002 Southwest Regional Keystone Advisor of the Year, and in 2003, the National Keystone Club Advisor of the Year. These awards are only awarded once to an advisor and they are nominated by their teens.
Ms. Adger said other teen programs will feature career and life skills preparation including searching for jobs and writing résumés and the Money Matters program - a program which teaches teens how to handle finances and the stock market and how to invest wisely.
The center will also offer teens sports programs, piano classes, movies and arts and crafts.
Team Andrews members are invited to the Teen Power Jam Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Youth and Teen Center. Teens and parents can come and meet Ms. Adger, learn about upcoming teen programs, and tour the Youth and Teen Center facility. There will be free food, drinks and entertainment and a Vogue Modeling School representative who will also provide an activity for teens at the center.
Another upcoming activity is the Neewollah Ball - Halloween spelled backwards - Oct. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a haunted house, carnival games, food, and prizes. There is a small fee for carnival tickets and the haunted house. The ball is open to all ages.
The Youth and Teen Center is located at 4700 Yuma Rd. and is open to eligible youth year round, except on federal holidays. The center offers youth and teen memberships, ages 6 to 18, for a fee of $20 a year.
Teen hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.
For more information regarding the Youth and Teen Center or upcoming events, contact Ms. Adger by phone at 301-981-8336 or email her at matrice.adger@andrews.af.mil.