Through the BGCA core curriculum and locally designed with the tools for inspiring and enabling young people to realize their full potential with recreational and educational opportunities, we provide activities that help youth develop a sense of usefulness, belonging, competence and influence.

Our professional staff prides itself in planning programs to meet the individual and group interests of youth and teens. Our facility is full of examples of the work of youth and of projects and programs they have participated in. Activities focus on character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and education and career development. Regular activities include field trips, fun nights, specialty camps, pre-teen activities, dances, instructional classes, clinics, late niters and more.

The Youth Center has an active 4-H Program. The Northern Lights 4-H Club was established in August 2003. The programs success comes from the involvement of parents; volunteer leaders and other adult’s who provide youth development programs. 4-H uses “learn by doing” projects, club meetings, community service activities and education events for young people, as they work toward developing “skills for life.” 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-19. Members ages 5-7 are in noncompetitive program called Cloverbuds, members ages 8-19 are eligible for full membership in the program. It is a requirement to be a Youth Center member to participate.

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Youth Sponsorship Program - WINK "Welcoming In New Kids"
Youth Sponsorship helps relocated youth to become familiar with their new home at Minot AFB, North Dakota. Military children are part of a very mobile society. "Welcoming In New Kids" is a pen pal program that makes moving easier. While frequent relocations are something military youth become accustomed to, the transition to a new community and school is never easy. We understand! To make the transition easier for you and your children, get connected with the Youth Sponsorship Program - WINK, a part of the Minot AFB Youth Programs. Sponsors are matched to youth according to their gender, age, and interests. The sponsors escort incoming youth around the base, school area, and Youth Programs. They introduce the new arrival to others within their age/grade level and to the various activities.
Open Recreation Program	Volunteers
Youth ages 9-18, still attending school, are encouraged to take part in our Open Recreation Program. In addition to regular activities including billiards, roller skating, arts and crafts, many other special programs are planned throughout the year. Members of open recreation can use their membership cards to check out equipment and receive discounts on special dances and other events. The Youth Center has a basketball court, board game area, arts & crafts, a quiet area, construction area, stage, snack bar and computer lab available. Nonmembers will be charged one dollar per visit. Open Recreation membership is only $24.00 for an entire year.	The Minot AFB Youth Programs is always As always, we are looking for volunteers to be a part of our team. in need of volunteers. Parent participation in various programs is highly encouraged. The Youth Center appreciates any spare time volunteered to aid with various sports activities, or knowledge and expertise offered in a specific field. Our main goal is to provide a fun, positive environment for children and their families. In order to achieve this we ask that our volunteers and parents be positive role models, exhibiting sportsmanlike behavior and always putting the child first. Join our winning team today! Please volunteer at the Youth Center or call 701-723-2838 for more information.
Clubs
Power Hour Club professionals with strategies, activities, resources and information to create an engaging homework help and tutoring program that encourages members to become self-directed learners. For ages 9-18: Meets Mon-Thurs, 4pm	Fine Arts Exhibit This program encourages artistic expression among Club members by drawing, painting, print making, collage, mixed media and sculpture. Submissions are displayed at local and regional exhibits.
Art Club Structured activity, make-n-takes for ages 9-19. Meets on Mondays 4pm	Imagemakers Imagemakers is sponsored by Circuit City Foundation. The program encourages individuals to learn and practice different forms of photography. Photographs may be submitted to regional and national competitions.
Cooking Club Learn how to measure, chop & alter a recipe for ages 9-18 Meets on Tuesdays 4pm
Fitness Club Club for ages 9-18 which emphasizes physical fitness and value of nutrition. Meets Thursdays 4pm	NetSmartz A comprehensive program for Missing and Exploited children, teaches members Internet safety skills through engaging multimedia activities.
Torch Club Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to plan and implement activities in the four areas of Service to Club and Community, Education, Health and Fitness, and social Recreation. For youth ages 9-12: Meets on Mondays 3:30pm.	SMART Girls Ages 9 to 12 and 13-17 SMART Girls is a program to help girls develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles. The program addresses health and social issues that are specific to female Club members. SMART Girls is designed for girls 9 to 12 and 13 to 17 years of age, according to their physiological, mental and emotional needs. The program is intended to help girls make smart decisions at this critical stage in their development.
Above and Beyond Tutoring Program A volunteer in this program assists an “Above and Beyond” student to develop proficiency skills for school in a specific subject area. For additional information please call the Youth Center at 723-2838.
Links
Air Force Youth Programs Boys & Girls Club of America	Ward County 4-H Program North Dakota 4-H Program