Photos by Bonnie Heater Youth Challenge Academy cadets' Families and visitors had a variety of activities to occupy their attention during the annual Family Day Nov. 1 at Fort Gordon. (Above) Family members, staff, and friends mingle in the academy area. (Below) The rappeling tower was a favorite event that many tackled during the day of fun. The Youth Challenge Academy hosted its Family Day Nov. 1 at its campus on Fort Gordon.

The day's events were kicked off at 9 a.m. with opening announcements and platoon performances.

Family members, friends and YCA cadets had a host of activities to participate in together.

Some tackled a 40 foot rappel tower. Others tried their hand in the basketball free throw event.

There was a mentorship class from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and again from 2 to 3:30 p.m. everyone could visit the cadets' barracks.

Refreshments were available for purchase and prizes were given away throughout the day.

At 1 p.m. there were more platoon performances and an award ceremony which was followed by a knock out drill. Children had a chance to play on an inflatable jumper slide. There was also bean bag and ring toss games. Soldier volunteers from Fort Gordon assisted with parking and supervised many of the games.

Janet Zimmerman, Youth Challenge Academy director, said the campus is recognized as one of the very best in the country thanks in large part to the support of the staff, Families, and friends. "Since we opened our doors more than 8 years ago, Family Day has been an important event in the life of the Fort Gordon Youth Challenge Academy," Zimmerman explained. "Congratulations to all the cadets who graduated Hard Core and became cadets," she said. "Today we celebrate your tremendous accomplishments thus far and look forward to those [challenges] yet to come."

Youth Challenge Academy, which is located behind the Brems Barracks area near the Post Exchange complex, offers a voluntary 22-week residential program for Georgia high school dropouts. The academy is sponsored by the state's National Guard. The program gives cadets an opportunity to turn their lives around by acquiring life skills and their General Education Diploma.