RAF Mildenhall Overview
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RAF Mildenhall Youth Programs will provide a unique and enriching experience for university interns. Recognized as best Youth Program in Air Force 1999 and best in USAFE four years in a row, Interns will gain exposure to a multi-faceted, award-winning program for youth ages 5-18. With the diversity of our offerings and the wide range of ages served, an internship with our program will complement the coursework of any Family and Consumer Science Program. |
| Interns would have the opportunity to be actively involved in school age care, recreational event programming, youth sports, administration, and training development. Participants will also gain insight into different cultures and international philosophies and standards for children and families by living and learning in the overseas location. Because the School Age Coordinator completed her graduate and undergraduate degrees at the University of Idaho, one of the partner institutions, her personal knowledge of a land-grant FCS program will enhance the internship experience by building on a common background and drawing upon shared experiences. | |
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Setting: The RAF Mildenhall Youth Center is located on a United Stated Air Force Base located in the county of Suffolk, about 1½ hours north of London. This rural community is also close to historic Bury St. Edmonds and Cambridge. The program serves children of active-duty military and Department of Defense civilians from both the RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath communities. We work in partnership with families to offer a safe and stimulating program of activities that fosters positive development of the whole person while facilitating respect for diversity and encouraging a sense of independence, responsibility, and self-esteem. Our goal is to enable each youth to experience achievement, leadership, and recognition. |
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Program Descriptions: Our School Age Program is nationally accredited by the National School Age Care Alliance (NSACA) in August of 2000 and provides before and after school care for over 95 children on a daily basis. We offer a structured program of developmentally appropriate and engaging activities that meets the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of children. Full-day care is provided in response to all holidays for both American and UK school breaks. A full-day summer camp for over 180 children is also offered with an extensive calendar of field trips and excursions to local areas of historic, educational, and recreational interest. |
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A model arts and crafts program provides a unique on-site opportunity for children who attend the youth center. A certified arts and crafts instructor who develops and implements a program of arts-based instruction allowing children a variety of methods of self-expression, while supporting academic skills through fun and entertaining projects staff the program. This program uses craft projects to develop an appreciation for, and deeper understanding of, fine art principles and techniques. |
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The Youth Sports program provides a year-round program of opportunities for youth ages 6-18 with over 1050 participants. This comprehensive program focuses on participation, teamwork, sportsmanship, self-esteem, and skill development in basketball, in-line hockey, baseball, girl’s softball, volleyball, flag football, and indoor soccer. A variety of specialized camps in areas such as soccer, golf, tennis, and karate are offered during the summer holidays and off-season. |
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| The open recreation program provides a wide variety of engaging activities including more than 50 trips to events such as horseback riding trails, paintball adventure days, amusement parks, and skiing locations and over 30 social events including Halloween Haunted Houses, dances, and pre-teen and teen council meetings. At least 25 specialty programs including Theatre camps, fine arts exhibition, and adventure weekends as well as, computer and technology workshops, and a variety of guest speakers. On a daily basis, a wide array of organized indoor/outdoor sports and enrichment activities such as homework assistance, technology centers, and art experiences are offered to facilitate youth in developing desirable physical and intellectual skills and to mature emotionally and socially. More than 25 instructional classes are offered on a variety of topics including ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, karate, computer use, wall climbing, and music. Over 450 youth ages 3-16 were able to participate in these skill-building classes. | |
