Summer youth programs offer abundance of activities Published June 9, 2010 By Airman Whitney Amstutz 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- It's mid-afternoon. A gentle breeze drifts across the lawn, carrying with it the sound of laughter in the distance. The familiar scent of the neighbor's chlorine pool mingles with the smell of freshly cut grass, and it's unmistakable: summer is here. There are smiling faces around every corner and children and teens alike unite to celebrate another school year drawing to a close. However, for one group of people, summer can be a stressful time. It is a well-known fact that a parent's work is never done, and finding a reliable babysitter for children is often harder than it seems. Here at Andersen, this is a problem of the past. Both the Youth Center and the Chapel are providing programs to educate and entertain children during the hectic summer months. Diana Leon Guerrero, the office automation clerk at the Andersen Youth Center, is looking forward to the upcoming summer camps being offered by the Youth Center. "There are so many programs for the children to participate in," said Mrs. Guerrero. "No matter what you are interested in, there is a camp for you." There are a variety of programs for children of all ages. Camp hours make it easy for parents to drop off and pick up children without the stress of being late for work, said Mrs. Guerrero. In addition to being a great alternative to paying for babysitting services, summer camp can be a great way for children to make new friends and explore interests. "So many kids participate in the summer camps," Mrs. Guerrero said. "By the end of the summer, all of the children have made new friends and are looking forward to the new year." In similar fashion, the Chapel will be having Catholic and Protestant Vacation Bible School in the upcoming months. Staff Sgt. Sean Finley, a chaplain's assistant at Chapel II here, is optimistic about the turnout for VBS this year. "We are expecting to have a good group of kids this summer," said Sergeant Finley. "Vacation Bible School is a great alternative to having a babysitter during work hours and the kids love it." Many parents opt for their children to attend VBS, said Sergeant Finley. "It is a fun way for kids to learn about the Bible and reinforce the values and beliefs their parents have taught them," he said. "They are learning and loving it." School's end no longer has to mean added stress for parents. Thanks to these summer programs, both children and parents can take joy in the sounding of the last dismissal bell. Summer can once again be a time to soak up the sun and catch up on some much needed rest and relaxation.