Youth Services-Ellsworth AFB

Youth Services

A wide range of programs is available for youth and teens, including youth sports and recreation programs, educational programs, and programs that support leadership and career development.  Please review the information to learn what programs and services are available at this installation.

Youth Services

Please call (605) 385-5403 for the most updated information due to the current COVID-19 situation. A wealth of creative, supervised youth activities are available through the Youth Center for youth between the ages of 5 to 18. Some activities offered include Instructional classes; Teen Outdoor Adventure Program; Keystone Club; Before and After School Age Care Program and other programs for youth sponsorship, employment, and religious activities. To be added to the waitlist for School-Aged Care you must submit an application on www.militarychildcare.com.

Youth Center

The Youth Activities Center provides an array of activities, instructional classes, and sports for our military dependents. Youth 9 to 18 years of age can drop into the center to play pool, ping pong, foosball, or air hockey. Additionally, they can participate in "Power Hour" where tutors are available to give help with homework.

There are computers available for research and leisure use, a variety of video games to entertain the youth as well as programmed activities including art and craft times, movie time, cooking experiences, and field trips into the local area.

Some of the programs offered at the Ellsworth Youth Center include:

• Instructional classes -- Classes are available for dance, gymnastics, martial arts, piano, and guitar.
• Teen Outdoor Adventure Program -- Provides teens an opportunity to participate in activities such as horseback riding, hiking, climbing, white water rafting, camping, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
• Keystone Club -- Guides the teens in program development, independent thinking, community involvement, and personal growth.
• Before and After School Age Care Program -- Offers care before and after school during the school year and full-day care during the school breaks. The day camp program provides full-day care throughout the summer months. Youth have an opportunity to explore the Black Hills and participate in some overnight camping, fishing, and hiking.

Youth Sports

Mission Statement: the objective of the Youth Sports Program is to teach fundamental skills and instill in all players a spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork.  The environment is to be a fun learning situation allowing the youth to experience team cooperation, leadership, and fellowship.  The emphasis is on improving individual and team skills, not winning.

School-Age Care Programs

School-age care programs provide care to children in kindergarten through seventh grade. Care is offered before and after school and during non-school days (e.g. spring break and teacher work days) and summer vacations. School-age care programs may be located in Defense Department youth centers, school-age care facilities, child development centers, or in other suitable facilities. All programs are certified by the DOD and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the Council on Accreditation.