Schools out, base summer fun is in

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin family support agencies are ready to provide fun for their students who will be looking for places to keep busy now that school is out for the summer.

"It is important that parents know both Eglin and the State of Florida child supervision guidelines to ensure their child's safety during the summer months, said Beth Marks, Family Advocacy Outreach Manager. "Parents can take advantage of the many activities both on and off base that will keep kids engaged versus being left to their own devices at home. Research shows us that petty crime rises in the summer months so it is vital that children are involved in some form of summer program and exposed to positive influences."

According to the 96th Force Support Squadron's Summer Fun brochure, each week will feature a new theme with a variety of activities and field trips.

Daily care at the Child Development Center, School Age Program and Youth Center now include a variety of opportunities to get out in town, get wet and enjoy their days off with their family. Sports clinics, library reading times, drama productions, outdoor picnics and local attractions are all on the list.

"When it's time for children to go to kindergarten, they are at that developmental age where we have to find more interesting things for them to do. Otherwise, they get bored," said Robin Whitman, CDC care provider.

SAP offers a summer camp for children of active-duty military, retirees and DoD civilians who have completed kindergarten through age 12 is planned for Jun. 14 - Aug. 4. Children do not have to be currently enrolled in the SAP to sign up.

Adjacent to SAP, the youth center facility provides a multitude of social opportunities for children ages 9 to 18, opening their doors Monday through Friday at noon for members. Non-member fees and member fees apply to trips and activities.

"Our purpose for being here is to support the mission by providing children a fun place to play where it's safe," said Tony Jadin at the youth center.

Because of the age of youth center children, they are more on their own than a traditional camp with instructors.

To keep up with what is happening at the center, Mr. Jadin encouraged parents to keep an eye open at the center and contact us for information.

Everything from full-day trips to water and amusement parks to short weekly outings for ice cream or shopping at the mall are listed on a monthly calendar of events posted on the facility's bulletin board and the force support squadron website.

Feedback from children over the years and staff research on fun, affordable opportunities contributes most to picking the right activity to host, said Mr. Jadin.

"We know cost can be a factor, so we keep that in mind," he said. "Random in-house free events are always on the calendar like organized fitness activities in our gym or ping-pong competitions. Also, DePLAYment Tags apply towards any youth center sponsored activity."

Eglin's Airman and Family Readiness flight offers the DePLAYment Tag Pass package, a Year of the Air Force Family initiative offering special free and discounted programs for families of military personnel who are or have been deployed from Eglin for at least 30 days in support of an active Operation during any part of the time period from July 2009 through July 2010.

Additionally, other agencies on base are hosting a variety of events for families. For example, the Health and Wellness Center is gearing up for Family Fun & Fitness Day at Unity Park July 23 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. On schedule is smoothie tasting, water play, games, door prizes, crafts and a recipe contest.

Eglin Chapel is helping military families fund registration fees at a local day camp Jun. 28 - Jul. 2 in lieu of a base-sponsored Vacation Bible School this year. Parish family members will have a reduced registration. For more information, call the chapel at 882-2111.

Hearts Apart will continue to provide social activities for deployed families during the summer to include bowling parties, a Jun. 20 flight with the Aero Club, BBQs and water slide at Postal Point Jun. 26 and Jul. 31.

"It can be very beneficial for children to be involved in structured programs and activities, especially during the summer months and other "down times," said Capt. Michael Bullock,
Family Advocacy officer.  "In recent years there has been an alarming trend toward children hibernating in their rooms, watching mindless TV, playing violent video games,
and talking to their online "friends". Whatever we as parents can do to support our children in disengaging from these often self-involved technological distractions, and focusing on real fellowship and service, is worth the effort.  Becoming involved in structured activities can aid children in discovering their interests and talents, improving their ability to relate to others, nd developing other useful life skills."