JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Air Force School-Age Program, a before and after school program, has come to a close with the school year, but will be back following the summer months for military members with children ages five to 12.
The mission of SAP is to provide a safe, supervised and healthy environment for children that supports success in school, literacy, community involvement, recreational and leisure activities.
"Our goal is to support the families that support mission capabilities here," said Robin Sheppard, 11th Force Support Squadron SAP coordinator. "Parents can't go to work and fulfill their duties if they are worried about their children. We are here to put their minds at ease. We consider ourselves an extension of family, are involved in children's lives and get the opportunity to watch them grow. We do what we can to support military families so that they can support this base."
Monday through Friday, starting at approximately 2 p.m., the children start to arrive from their respective schools both on base and in the local community. By 3 p.m. the large facility is bustling with approximately 180 young boys and girls.
SAP, accredited through the National After School Association, takes place at the JBA Youth Center and offers children the ability to participate in a multitude of after school activities, allowing them to decompress after a day at school.
The youth center has rooms dedicated to science, nature, art, games, dramatic play, and computers, along with a gymnasium and outdoor facility for sports activities. The diversity of activities and curriculum allows children to learn and explore their own interests simultaneously.
"My favorite part about the program is watching a child learn something new or figure something out for the first time, all on their own," said Vincent Eure, 11th FSS director of youth programs. "They light up and there is a beauty about it. It feels good knowing that we encourage that independent thinking."
The program also gives children who are new to the area the chance to interact with their peers outside of school, aiding their transition and giving them more opportunities to make new friends.
"Children of military families are already accustomed to diversity, but that doesn't mean it's easy" Eure said. "We focus on youth development by teaching them life and social skills."
For more information on SAP or information on pricing for next school year, call the JBA Youth Center at 301-981-5636. Prices are subject to family income and are tailored to fit military family needs.