Facility Hours

Phone Number: (907) 377-3194

The Youth Center is conveniently located in Building 714, next door to Crawford Elementary School, and across the street from Ben Eielson Junior and Senior High School. Its programs provide a wide variety of constructive leisure-time activities for youths, ages 9 to 18.

About Youth Programs (YP)
Department of the Air Force Youth Programs (YP) offer opportunities for positive youth development by supporting the skills, interests, qualities, and abilities of all youth.

Youth Program (YP) Offerings Include:

Youth Sports and Fitness
Youth Sports and Fitness (YS&F) offers opportunities for sports, fitness, health and nutrition, outdoor recreation, and motor skill development. YS&F provides high-quality recreation youth sports leagues and is recognized for their dedication through the National Alliance for Youth Sports Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider Certification.

Youth Sports and Fitness Provides

Certified and trained volunteer coaches
Comprehensive background screening for staff and volunteers
Parent Education and Involvement
Written policies and procedures
Accountability

Recreational Sports Leagues
Non-competitive youth sports opportunities develop a sense of belonging and teamwork, build sport-specific skills, and provide quality family time for youth.

Programming for Positive Youth Development
Empowering youth to find their voice and their passion to make a difference in their community and the world through opportunities for planning, decision-making, advocacy while becoming responsible, caring citizens and acquiring skills to participate in the democratic process.

The Arts
Fostering creativity and providing outlets for self-expression. From daily programs to instructional classes and summer camps, youth are encouraged to explore the arts. National Competitions in Fine Arts and Photography showcase the talent of our youth.

Sports and Recreation
Programs to develop physical fitness, reduce stress, and promote the positive use of leisure time, appreciation for the environment, and interpersonal skills.

Health and Wellness
Building young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, inspire the pursuit of personal goals, and grow into self-sufficient adults.

Education
Activities designed to inspire a love of learning, support academic skills, and ensure that all youth graduate from high school on time, ready for a post-secondary path and skills for a 21st-century career.

Partnerships
Department of the Air Force Services partners with national youth serving organizations to provide a wide range of programs and services for youth and staff, including:

Outreach Initiatives
Get involved even if you are not near a DAF Youth Center!

BGCA Mission Youth Outreach
BGCA provides free memberships to military-affiliated youth not living near an installation. Find a club near you!

4-H Local Clubs and Opportunities
Local 4-H clubs serve youth around the country and the world with a mission to inspire civic engagement, build skills in STEM and Agriculture, and encourage healthy living.

4-H at Home
4 H at Home provides hands-on, educational activities for kids and teens all year long. Get our latest 4 H at Home Activity Guide, activities from 4 H Land-Grant Universities, and more.

Teen Programs

Military Youth of the Year
A premier scholarship and recognition program for teens ages 14-18 offered in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The program honors and celebrates our most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys, showcasing outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

Keystone Club
Keystone Clubs are dynamic programs challenging teens to become leaders and participate in community service. Offered through our BGCA partnership, Keystone is the most dynamic teen program, building valuable leadership and service experience as teens plan and implement programs in four areas: academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach. The national conference is one of the highlights of the Keystone Year!

Air Force Teen Council (AFTC)s
An initiative to provide a voice for Air Force teens and a connection to installation leaders to provide a platform for the needs and passions of teens. Connections with other installations create a network of teens working to resolve issues and voice concerns to the highest levels of leadership on behalf of teens across the Air Force.