Renovations at Laughlin’s Youth Center underway Published Jan. 8, 2020 By Senior Airman Daniel Hambor 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A few weeks back when Santa Claus came to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, he visited base leadership and dropped off all his presents for the year, and then took right off back to the North Pole. One base facility whose list did not go unnoticed, however, was the Youth Center. Starting this year, the center is sporting a new look. Along with fresh coats of paint, new flooring and all new workstations, the new look’s purpose is to invoke a sense of home life and relaxation. “It gives it more of a modern, neutral, and homey look at the same time,” said Omar Matos, 47th Force Support Squadron youth center director. “It looks less like a daycare, and more like an extension of their home where they can come, settle down and relax after school.” The Youth Center is also receiving all new toys and furniture accompanying the renovations. While the rooms are separated by age groups, the center is looking forward to the new “teen” section, which boasts of new audio equipment, cameras, and various items focused-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) objectives. “The staff and I really like the new look and are excited, we hope the kids like it,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to getting our teens connected with all the new equipment too.” The Youth Center program is available for all children between the ages of 5-18, including those who do not attend school on base. For more information about the center and the program please call (830) 298-5343.