CFC benefits Tinker’s youth

At first glance, the Tinker Youth Center appears to be an average recreational center.

But there is more to it than meets the eye. While there is a gymnasium, games, televisions and crafts, the Youth Center is centered much more around curriculum, learning and development than a typical after school program. All at a cost.

Though years ago it was “just a rec center” with checkers, chess and other board games, Tinker Youth Center Director Mindy Whittington explained that youth development and education has since become the focus.

Ms. Whittington said with the multitude of classes and programs offered to the youth on the installation, funds are critical to keeping their services afloat.

Membership programs at the center – keystone and torch club, leadership programs, community service and the like – all require funding. Some programs are required according to Air Force Instruction, which comprise a five-core program. Among these are character and leadership; sports and recreation; education and career development; health and wellness; and the arts. AFI requires a minimum of three of the five core programs to be performed every day.

Sports programs are also popular among those at the center, Ms. Whittington said, and having a one-time fee helps cover everything from a uniform, officials, games and trophies. College knowledge and ACT test prep is also offered.

Because the Youth Center does not have a source of revenue, many costs are incurred in maintaining programs, services and staff. All are contingent upon funds from the Combined Federal Campaign, the giving campaign of the federal government.

“The more funding we get from CFC, the more programs I can offer to have to set them up for success,” Ms. Whittington said.

The Youth Center has turned out some remarkable kids, the director said, which is a testament to both the center and the individual. Youth of the Year, a national program honor which partners the military youth with the Boys and Girls Clubs, has gone home with several of Tinker’s youth. In the last four or five years, Ms. Whittington remarked, the Youth of the Year has moved on to the regional level. This has propelled youth forward and has changed the course of their education and career – as some have received thousands of dollars in scholarship funds.