Our After School Youth Club program had the honor of being presented as a model after a school program at the 2005 National Recreation and Parks Congress; mainly due to initiatives that have been set in place by our department.  Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation Commission's vision statement states that SCPRC "strives to promote healthy lifestyle choices and individual development for all citizens...".  To achieve that vision for youth, SCPRC formed a Youth Development Office whose primary goal is to create programs that teach children important skills that will help them develop to their fullest potential.  In addition to providing a safe place after school hours, the program has three targeted goals: character education, nutrition, and fitness.  These goals are delivered through recreational activities which allow the children to learn new behaviors in a fun setting.  In addition, the children are fed a nutritous snack and are provided the proper environment to complete homework.