Kick off the summer with ODR and Youth Center

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Summer is here and everyone is ready for many outdoor activities. The base Outdoor Recreation office and the base Youth Center offer outdoor services for both children and adults.

The base ODR office provides rental equipment for a variety of outdoor activities.

"We have equipment for camping, biking, hunting, fishing, picnics, and even gardening," said Mr. Bobby Baker, 97th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation director.

Prices vary based on the amount of time the equipment is rented.

"We rent equipment out based on daily fees, Saturday fees, and weekend fees," Baker said.

ODR is also in charge of the base pool and other camping and hiking activities.

"We also do hiking tours and camping tours. We also have campers out in Quartz Mountain," Baker said.

Summer activities are available for children and youth, too.

Since children are out of school for the summer, the base Youth Center started a new open recreation program this year.

"This summer program gives parents an alternative to leaving their kids at home during the day," said Ms. Rosario Rosalez, 97th FSS recreation specialist. "We encourage fitness-fun activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, bowling, and every week we go on an educational field trip."

"This new summer program is separate from our regular program which runs all year," Rosalez said.

The only differences between the two programs are the start times and the age requirements.

"The new summer program is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the standard school-age program is available weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.," Rosalez said.

The Youth Center is open for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade.

"The summer program, however, is only for kids from 9 to 18 years old," Rosalez said.

For more information about rental equipment, camping or hiking, contact Outdoor Recreation at 580-481-7696, and for more information about youth summer programs, contact the base Youth Center at 580-481-7903.