Youth learn life skills, like helping others, at TRYC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kyle J. Johnson
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Every day, the temperature drops just a little bit more and the sun sets just a little bit sooner.

With this in mind, Kandis Kile, a child and youth programming associate homework teacher at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Two Rivers Youth Center, is showing youth fun and creative ways to fill their time while Old Man Winter has the outdoors on lockdown.

All of Kile's activities for the students are designed to teach a skill that could be potentially valuable in life.

They have word-construction games using wooden tiles with letters on them.

Sometimes they learn to sew, by creating bracelets from buttons or making their own pillowcases.

Members of Kile's Torch Club have been making pillow cases for foster children over the past few weeks, and currently have 25 pillowcases made.

Kile says she's had both girls and boys actively involved in making the cases.

"I don't want them to get burnt out on it," she said. "So we are taking a break right now and doing other things like the bracelets, but we hope to make 50 cases."

Kile said other organizations in the community are also making pillow cases for foster children; contributions from around the Anchorage bowl will be collected, then handed out. Each one lets a child know other people care.

Kile is teaching her students not just how to fill the winter hours by learning a new skill like sewing, but also shows them the importance and satisfaction of helping people along the way.

Two Rivers Youth Center offers support for service members and families year-round by teaching valuable life skills, exposing youth to new social opportunities, and directing the seemingly boundless energy of youth in a positive direction.

For more information on Two Rivers Youth Center and the activities and classes available, visit their Facebook page, or call the main desk at 384-1508.