Youth Services programs create educational opportunities and supportive environments which allow culturally diverse youth and teens to be capable, competent and caring citizens. Providing these opportunities for military youth impacts directly on soldier readiness, retention, and quality of life by reducing the conflict between mission and potential responsibilities. Fort Knox Youth Services is a recognized Army Community leader in developing youth to become productive citizens and serves as a catalyst for positive change to meet the needs of a diverse and changing society. The Youth Services staff is a highly trained staff, most having (or obtaining) various bachelor/masters degrees as well as two year associate degrees or have Child Development Associates (CDA). Through their expertise and compassion to work with youth, a multitude of activities are offered.
Middle School and Teen Program
The Middle School/Teen Services incorporates many exciting programs through affiliation with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H Clubs for grades 6-12th. Join in the fun at Devers Youth Center.
Devers Youth Center
5543 Chaffee Ave
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5000
(502)624-6442 DSN 464-6442
Devers Youth Center is the place for Middle School and Teens grades 6-12 to hangout. It provides a safe, fun environment to meet friends, make new friends, play ball or sports activities. The full size gymnasium is available for basketball and other sports. Youth can play video games, get on the computers in the lab, utilize the Homework Center, exercise in the weight room or just hang out and have fun. Teens especially like to hang out in the Xhibit which is the teen center designed for teens, by teens.
Middle School Teen Vision
MST Programs are structured and staffed to meet the goals of youth, families, staff, and the Army. Youth Centers and satellite program locations offer youth a welcoming and safe environment and reflect the value and importance of the youth. Staff supervision ratios, positive interactions and appropriate risk management procedures create a safe and friendly environment, which promotes youth growth and well being. MST Programs staff are technically proficient and demonstrate on-the-job competency when they work with middle school youth and teens. Army Youth Services (YS) programs provide quality, age-appropriate activities for the positive development of youth grades 6th-12th. Every Army YS promotes middle school and teen youth's development in the following four service areas:
- Sports, Fitness and Health Options
- Life Skills, Citizenship and Leader ship Opportunities
- Arts, Recreation and Leisure Activities
- Mentoring, Intervention and Education Support Services
On and off post partnerships and collaborations with schools, MWR Activities, and Army Community Services, Family Support Programs, Chaplains, Military Police and national youth organizations (4-H / Cooperative Extension Service, Boys and Girls Clubs and America and Boy Scouts of America) strengthen and enhance delivery of the program.
Youth Sponsorship Program: This program is Congressionally mandated to facilitate the transitions youth encounter during frequent relocations.
Youth Councils: Youth Councils offer youth opportunities for a voice in planning and conducting programs, communication with commanders, and to develop leadership. Problem solving, citizenship and teamwork skills.
Volunteer Community Service: The Army's Promise Passport Program provides opportunities for youth to contribute to the will being of their community through service and to be recognized by their installation.
Games and Leisure Activities: Self-directed activities provide opportunities for youth to experience a variety of leisure, social and skill building.
Youth Computer Labs: Opportunities for e-mail with friends from other installations, homework support, and development of technology skills.
Homework/Learning Centers: Tutoring, homework assistance and a quiet, secluded space are critical to academic success.
Individual/Group Sports and Fitness Activities: Team and individual sports provide youth with opportunities to develop physical and social skills, leisure time interests and leadership and teamwork skills.
Workforce Preparation: Allows youth to explore and experience the world of work through job shadowing and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.
The delivery of these baseline programs at Devers Youth Center is accomplished through the after school program, special events, games and leisure activities and camps for specific ages. Listed below are the clubs offered at Devers Youth Center:
LEARNING CENTER: A comprehensive homework help and tutoring program designed to raise the academic proficiency of participants. Incentive charts for tracking progress of participants are maintained and youth rewarded when they reach milestones. Grades 6-12, Monday - Friday 1430-1800.
4-H PHOTO CLUB: This program encourages artistic development through exhibits held at local, regional and national levels. Members will also participate on field trips to local art museums. Must be in Middle School/High School, Thursday, 1600-1800.
TORCH CLUB: Participants meet to plan activities that focus on Youth Center and community service projects. The pre-teen council is formed from this club. Must be in Middle School, Tuesday, 1600-1800.
KEYSTONE CLUB: Participants meet to plan activities that focus on Youth Center and community service projects. The teen council is developed from this club. Must be in High School, Wednesday, 1500-1700.
THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY: This program leads participants on fun-filled journey into the amazing world of plants, animals and outdoor adventure challenges. Through games, adventure outings, crafts and discovery-based activities, young people learn about nature and discover ways to make the world a better place. Grades 6-12, Wednesday,1530-1730.
4-H SPORT FISHING CLUB: Members will learn how to become the best angler. You will learn how to cast, how to tie the perfect knot, which bait is right for which fish and much more. You will go on field trips to different lakes and play casting games. Grades 6-12, Tuesday 1600-1800.
DJ CLUB: This club is to teach how to become a DJ. You will learn about the different equipment that is used, how to pick out those perfect songs for your audience, and how to entertain the crowd with your voice. Must be in High School, Friday, 1600-1800.
SMART GIRLS: This program deals with the topics that concern you as a teenage girl. You will discuss things such as cooking, makeup, hygiene, and fitness. Must be in Grades 6-12, Thursday, 1600-1800.
4-H COMMUNITY CLUB: Members will learn to conduct 4-H Club business meetings and participate in a variety of 4-H research based projects. Grades 6-12, Monday 1630-1800.
4-H TECHNOLOGY CLUB: Members will learn web design, computer repair, networking issues, graphic design, how to solve hardware/software conflicts and much more. Grades 6-12, First and third Thursday of every month, 1600-1800.
4-H FINE ARTS CLUB: This club affords Fort Knox youth the opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures through the arts. Emphasis will be placed on dance, music and its accompanying art forms. Grades 6-12, Thursdays, 1500-1730.
4-H COOKING CLUB: This program affords youth the opportunity to learn about sanitation, health and nutrition through the preparation of a variety of foods. Grades 6-12, Monday 1600-1800.
SPORTS/FITNESS AUTHORITY: This program leads participants through different fitness activities which include basketball, kickball, volleyball, and football. Grades 6-12, Monday-Friday, 1600-1800.
TECHNOLOGY LAB: Consists of 15 station computer lab. Grades 6-12, open Monday-Friday 1430-1900. Saturday 1300-1800.
NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH PROGRAM: Satellite programming in 5 neighborhood housing areas. Grades 6-12, Monday-Friday, 1600-1800.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS: Students meet to prepare packets, program meet and greet activities, and sponsor new and departing students. Grades 6-12, TBA.
Hours of Operation (Grades 6-12)
Mon, Tues and Thurs 1430-2000
Wed 1330-2000
Fri 1400-2000
Sat 1200-2200
Open Additional Hours for Ages 13-18 (12th grade) Fri and Sat 2000-2200
Admin Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600
For Further Information on new registrations and re-registration please visit the Outreach Services webpage.