Youth center goes global

  • Published
  • By Beth Young
  • Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) --  Children at the youth center here are going global -- the old-fashioned way.

In a world of e-mail, modems and ever-changing technology, the center's “Journey Around the World” club gives its members the chance to make friends with others their age who live on Air Force bases worldwide, by simply using pen and paper.

"The pen pal club not only develops the children's writing and social skills, but they also learn about other cultures and countries," said Lynn Salazar, school-age program coordinator.

Hill's youth center opened the lines of communication last summer by sending packages to youth centers located at Air Force bases in Japan, England, Germany, Italy and Alaska. The packages included letters, a disposable camera and a small stuffed animal.

"Japan sent back chopsticks, fans and the stuffed dog wearing a kimono. That's neat for the children because they know their stuffed animal has gone over there and back," said Amy Gould, program assistant in charge of club. "One of the groups even took their animal on a field trip to a butterfly museum."

Besides globetrotting stuffed animals, club members also received pictures of their pen pals at some of their favorite places. Even with all the souvenirs, what causes the most excitement are the letters, Gould said.

"It's very exciting (when we get letters back) because we make new friends and meet new people," said Sybrina Archer, an 8-year-old club member.

"When they get a response they'll read it then immediately write back. I'm constantly being asked 'do I have a letter yet?' -- for them that's the biggest thrill," said Gould.

While the children are oceans apart, their interests are not. Letters are filled with conversations about pets, favorite foods and annoying younger siblings. The pen pals also use the letters to find comfort in knowing there are children like themselves all over the world.

"Dear Laurie, my friend, I know you are far from the place you love, and I am homesick too," wrote one pen pal from Japan.

"It's kind (of) neat because all of these kids are in the same boat from traveling around so much (in the military)," said Gould. "Then to be able to write to one another, they get to see that they are not alone."

Through the letters, the children have learned about castles in England and that there are McDonald’s restaurants in Germany; however the most important lessons are more subtle.

"I've learned I can know someone and be their friend just by writing to them," said 8-year-old Kacie Smith.

The club's original goal, to improve the children's writing skills, is being met wonderfully, says Gould. She said not only has the grammar in the letters improved, but also the way the children express themselves.

As it turns out, improved writing skills is just one of the club's many benefits. She said the children have also taken an interest in culture and geography -- many asking to see where the country they are writing to is on the map.

"This is result oriented. It helps them understand long-term goals," said Gould. "The kids are always going and going, so for them to come in, sit down and concentrate on writing a letter is awesome to see."

"I just like making new friends. I get to know more about these people and different cultures. Mostly everything (is the best part)," said 8-year-old Haleigh Cannalte. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)