ANNOUNCEMENT
We have an important announcement….we are relocating to a new facility, in Walton County. The official move will take place in early 2027.
Youth Village, Inc., founded by Nellie Bogar in 1999, has served thousands of children from all over Okaloosa County for 27 years. For 6 of those years, we are currently at 644a Anchors St NW, serving not only school-age children but also toddlers and preschoolers. Due to continued low enrollment, due in part to the closing of Mary Esther Elementary School which resulted in mounting financial challenges, Youth Village will be moving to Walton County. The final day of operation in Fort Walton Beach was on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The strategic relocation stems from the center’s desire to serve local families in the Walton County area that has a higher demand for their services. Youth Village plan to create a school-age-centered after-school program in Walton County. Youth Village will not only focus on children enrolled in the Walton County schools but also provide a space for homeschooled children to go to make new friends, learn new skills and most importantly, provide a safe space with caring adults after their “home-schooled” day has ended.
We are incredibly thrilled to transition into this new chapter. Our priority has always been to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children. This new location allows us to elevate our educational offerings and give our children the modern space they deserve to learn, grow and thrive.
Valerie (Youth Village Director) hopes to create an environment similar to that of “Kids Clubs” on cruise ships! They plan on having plenty of open space for the children to play console and interactive system titles like Mario Kart and Just Dance, indoor physical activities such as obstacle courses, soft-ball games, dance-offs, and karaoke, arts and craft stations, STEM activity stations, Reading/Quiet Corners and theatre!
The new location will accommodate children from kindergarten to 8th grade and will continue to implement its highly regarded STEM programs, continue their partnerships with Kick ‘N Flips, the Mattie Kelley Arts Foundation and other special guests that come out to perform. Youth Village will also provide the children with theatre and fitness classes.
Youth Village is selling its property at 644a Anchors St NW, Fort Walton Beach. Interested parties, please reach out to Valerie Bogar at valerie@ouryouthvillage.org.
Moving day sales are planned for Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Volunteers are needed for this event! For more information, please contact Valerie Bogar at the number or email address above.
TESTIMONIALS
“We appreciate our youth village family and I hope you know what a great resource you are for our community! There is nothing else like it that exists. Makes what you do all the more special!!! It’s nice to have something so unique for our kids to attend instead of your typical “run of the mill” aftercare.”
Mayleen H.
“Congratulations on that amazing performance of the Lion King Jr! I can’t believe you and the children put it together in seven short weeks! What talent! How we love seeing children working hard and doing positive things!”
Mrs. Janey Schlacht Rynearson (wife of Ft. Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson) quoted below after seeing the Youth Village perform “The Lion King, Jr” on July 22, 2017
“It was the perfect place for my granddaughter when she came to visit for a whole month!! She made friends, learned new things and painted!! She even sold 2 of her paintings during the silent auction this summer. I highly recommend this facility! They are all amazing! Especially Ms. Nellie!”
Barbara O.
“Thank you Ms. Nellie Bogar and Youth Village for being such a big help and apart of my children lives. I’m pleased to know that being a single mother and raising my children that I’m doing a good job. I’m very appreciative for everyone who plays a major role in my children lives…We’re absolutely blessed.”
Shasta G.
“Thanks so much for looking out for him, I love how attentive and caring you all are!”
Annie C.
“Love this place! Affordable and family friendly and the help with homework is awesome. Being a single mom with 3 kids involved in sports and my long work hours. I couldn’t survive without this place!”
Tanisha P.
“I LOVE you guys and I am so thankful that God put you in my life when my son needed an after school program. Yours is the only one he ever attended.”
Susanne L.
“I go to Youth Village. It is very fun there. We have visitors at Youth Village who help us learn. Mr. Ronnie takes us on field trips and brings bubble mix for us to play with. Mr. Ronnie also takes us outside to play. I like Youth Village.”
Lily, 8
“I feel safe in Youth Village because I have a lot of adults working together just to take care of us.”
Khameela, 9
“Thank you so much for all being STARS! These kids love each one of you! We are so thankful that our daughter was able to be at Youth Village this summer. She has had a blast!”
The Heimes
“I’ve just clicked the link you sent and felt countless prayers answered! In this moment, it is laid on my heart to praise Him in all we do and the blessings He provides. You and your team at Youth Village are a blessing. I know my phone call did not initiate this option for your center, as you stated the conversation and ideas were already being discussed earlier in the week. I am so happy to be a part of this new endeavor though, and already feel peace cocooning my heart and mind. Thank you for this email, and for giving families in situations like mine, a chance to have an alternative. `Blessings~“
Carrie Shields
