Director ensures Kadena Youth Center is more than just place to hang out

  • Published
  • By Nicole Williams
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Over a year has passed since Geoffrey Rhinehart, Kadena Air Base Youth Center director, arrived here from Misawa Air Base on mainland Japan.

With his first year behind him, the Florida resident and Florida State University graduate and his staff have accomplished much already, and still have more in store for the youth of Kadena.

Rhinehart, a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast, has worked for the Air Force for almost three years and was very excited by the prospect of moving to Okinawa. Upon his arrival, he immediately set about to infuse more of an outdoor recreation component into youth center activities. One of his primary goals has been to capitalize on local resources and encourage Kadena's youth to go outside, be active and venture out of their comfort zones.

Although familiar with Japan, Rhinehart admitted that Okinawa has provided him with a whole new set of outdoor experiences, which he wants to share with youth here.

"I want kids to enjoy and experience all the unique outdoor experiences Okinawa has to offer," said Rhinehart.

In addition to providing youth with outdoor adventures, Rhinehart is also working to implement a music and digital arts program. The goal of both programs will be to help youth further develop their interests and talents in either music or digital arts.

As the former Misawa Youth Programs director, Rhinehart is no stranger to ensuring the youth center is a positive place for youth to hang out and get involved. There are a multitude of clubs, programs and activities, offered after school and on weekends, and they can vary from month to month. These programs serve as a way to engage the youth of Kadena as well as their parents, he said.

Rhinehart said he wants parents to know they are not alone in engaging their children and hopes, in time, many will come to view the youth center and youth programs as a constructive place for the youth of Kadena.

"The youth center is a place for positive change and should be viewed as a resource for parents," said Rhinehart.

As a Florida native with a strong background in Boy Scouts, Rhinehart is definitely familiar with all the wonders an island such as Okinawa has to offer. By adding an outdoor recreation component to youth programs, Rhinehart is working to show Kadena youth that now can truly be a great time to be a kid.

Rhinehart said he encourages all parents on Kadena who are interested in learning more about the youth center, and all it has to offer, to stop by for a personal tour.