LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
As Shanda Allmond-Misse, Joint Base Langley-Eustis chief of youth programs, sat with her colleagues at the Boys and Girls Club of America Virginia Counsel Conference, she was amazed by the level of competition between the 80 different clubs represented.
JBLE Youth Programs showcased their duty and accomplishments during a BGCA competition at Newport News, Va., April 3, taking home five awards in the process.
The JBLE Youth Programs serve about 130 children ages 5 to 18 in different programs, such as before and after-school care and youth sports, all geared to benefit Service members.
"Our lifestyle is so much different than the average American. We must accommodate Service members to successfully support the mission," said Allmond-Misse. "This means opening earlier and closing later to support an event such as a base exercise."
JBLE Youth Programs also provides summer camps to meet the needs of Service members' year-round commitments after the school year is done. Activities for kids that help care for kids are also available during seasonal school breaks.
"I believe enrolling the kids in our enrichment programs provides extraordinary after-school care, which in-turn keeps them out of trouble," said Allmond-Misse. "We teach everything from woodworking and architecture to character and leadership building. Other programs don't have that."
The BGCA gives honors to youth programs in five different categories: character and leadership development, education and career development, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and health and wellness.
"We submitted packages to all five awards thinking 'Hey, why not?'" Allmond-Misse said.
JBLE Youth Programs took home the awards for character and leadership development, education and career development, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation awards. In addition, they walked away with the overall program of the year award. Allmond-Misse credits this success to her talented and dedicated staff.
"This staff is extremely dedicated," said Allmond-Misse. "Some of them have been working here for 20 years and have a lot of experience."
Not only did Youth Programs leave the conference with multiple honors, one of their very own kids won the Youth of the Year award for the Virginia and Washington D.C. area, after competing against 60-other children.
With pride in both the children and the program, the JBLE staff walked away from the contest with their heads held high and ambitious goals for next year.
"We walked away with five [awards] this year, but as for the Health and Wellness award, we'll get that one next year," said Allmond-Misse, with a smile.