Youth Center proudly implements BGCA Published June 14, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force Global Strike Command's David C. Jones Youth Center here received an award for its exceptional implementation of the Boys and Girls Club of America program on May 20, during the 2011 National BGCA conference in New Orleans, La. Ronda Knutson, 5th Force Support Squadron chief professional officer of youth programs, accepted the award on behalf of the Team Minot BGCA and said that Minot Air Force Base was one of three Air Force installations to be recognized during the luncheon. "The Boys and Girls Club is a 'youth-serving' organization," said Ms. Knutson. "It is a safe place to learn and grow; all while having fun. It is a place where great futures are started each and every day. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. This club offers that and more." Ms. Knutson said the youth center has been implementing the BGCA program for 20 years now, and boasts more than 800 members. While Ms. Knutson heads the program, she said that there are program coordinators who implement specific core programs within the club, and are therefore vital to the success of the club. Ms. Knutson said there are five core areas the club focuses on when programs and activities are planned. They include the Character and Leadership Development Program, Education and Career Development Program, Health and Life Skills Program, an Arts Program, and a Sports, Fitness and Recreation Program. "Of course, some activities are just for fun but many of our activities and programs will fall into a core area," she said. "For example, we implement a Youth of the Year Program which recognizes teens for their outstanding leadership skills. We also have Torch and Keystone Clubs, which focus on community service projects and build great character for our members." She said they have also implemented financial learning opportunities for youth, homework help and tutoring activities, technology opportunities, Project Learn, and Youth Employment Skills Programs - all which enhance education and career development. Ms. Knutson said there are many benefits to having this program in place, but perhaps the most important being the fact that all of these programs are put in place to help today's youth become successful leaders and productive citizens of tomorrow. In response to why they received the award, Ms. Knutson said she believes it is because the affiliation the Air Force has with the Boys and Girls Club is great. "The youth center has great staff members who genuinely care about the club members and take full advantage of the programs, staff training, and grant opportunities that are provided to us," she continued. "I am proud of the youth center staff, and to me, this award is just proof that they are on target with providing our youth the opportunity to be successful." Payal Mehta, a youth management trainee, agrees with Ms. Knutson in that the award proves just how hard the staff works to provide the best programs for Team Minot youth. "I believe we received this award because of the excellent mentorship provided to the youth by our staff here," said Ms. Mehta. "I also believe we got this award because of the leaders who guide and mentor the youth everyday; we are making an impact on someone's life on a daily basis." "I am very proud to be part of a team that has worked so hard to receive the award," Ms. Mehta continued. "Receiving this award only reinforces that the staff and the leaders are doing something right to help future generations excel." Ms. Knutson said the youth center is always looking for volunteers to help with the program. "We need tutors, coaches and mentors," Ms. Knutson said. "Anyone interested in volunteering would have to complete a packet. We conduct local installation records checks on all our regular volunteers to ensure safety for our youth." If interest in volunteering, visit the youth center or call 723-2838 for more information.