Voice of Goodfellow’s children

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - --  They're not just babysitting our children, they're educating them too; that's the message youth program directors and staff sent parents Jan. 20 during the quarterly Parent Advisory Board meeting.

Open to all parents with a child participating in base youth programs - child development center, family child care, school age, youth activities center or youth sports - the PAB offers an open forum between parents and center directors where concerns can be addressed and new ideas can be shared.

During this quarter's meeting, parents were provided updates on opportunities available to them, their family and staff geared to help make the active duty member's life a little easier.

Youth Programs Director, Shandy Scott, said there is currently an installation teen council forming to empower teenagers and have their voices heard. The council will meet once a month, and any issues or ideas the teens bring forth will be addressed by the appropriate people and agencies on base.

Another change for youths on base is the addition of a nature playground, she said. Installation of the playground is slated to begin in 2012 and will allow children a chance to explore nature within a controlled environment. The playground will be unlike the usual climbers seen in park areas around base and youths will be able to dig and plant, or even explore different barks and leaves. The nature playground will be located by the school-age and CDC buildings, and will be open to the Goodfellow community.

The youth sports program always has activities to keep teens and other youths busy, said youth sports program director, Omar Matos.
They currently offer a martial arts class for ages 5-14, which youths at any level can participate in, and dance classes for ages 3-5 and ages 6-9. The dance classes include beginner dance, ballet and modern dance. These classes do charge a monthly fee, so call the youth center at (325) 654-4705 for more information.

Registrations for little league and baseball, for ages 4-12, are being accepted until Jan. 28, with games running March to May. The registration fee includes the uniform, except glove and shoes.

In the spring, youth sports will start a night hoops program for ages 13-18. The team will play basketball games against other bases in the region, and during practice they will hold drug-awareness discussions.

A ski trip during Spring Break is planned for ages 12 and older, and families. The trip will leave Goodfellow for the slopes on a Monday morning and return on a Thursday afternoon. The registration fee covers transportation, lodging, equipment rental, lift tickets and most meals. Call the youth activities center to register and for pricing information.

After getting updates on activities, parents were informed on resources available to them to help them work through parenting concerns. Phyllis Howard, a child and youth behavioral military and family life consultant, said she is available to work with parents and youths up to age 17. Although she's a licensed mental health professional, she said her role on Goodfellow isn't for mental health.

"I do life skills, social skill development, behavior management, parenting, any kind of issue that may come up, we can help correct to distressed military families," Ms. Howard said. "I offer solution-focused problem solving."

For example, if parents have problems with their child not doing homework or even potty training, she can work with the parent and child to correct these issues. Sessions can be scheduled after hours or weekends, and can also be held off-base.

She works with the parent and youth for up to 12 free sessions and the meetings remain confidential.

"I don't keep any records and don't report issues to anyone unless there is abuse happening," she said.

To get help from a consultant, parents can call any youth center and ask for the military life consultant.

Other opportunities parents have to help with their children include monthly training seminars that youth programs staff go through.

Julie Haffner, 17th Force Support Squadron, is the training and curriculum specialist for all youth programs and ensures the staff is trained to work appropriately with children. Her curriculum includes subject matter experts who provide seminars on different topics, such as helping children with anxiety and discipline. Parents are invited to join staff at the monthly seminars and can call any center for a schedule.

Another avenue where parents can join staff training is the weekly workshops held at the CDC. Some topics covered include power struggles and potty training.

"We are constantly providing training in all sorts of topics," Ms. Haffner said.

"That's what separates the child care that your children get at our centers from the child care they get anywhere else," Ms. Scott added. "Every staff member has well over 100 hours every year in training, and we continue to seek out specialized training."

The next PAB meeting is scheduled for April 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Event Center.