MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- With spring just around the corner, and summer following closely at its heels, many families are probably planning camping trips, cookouts, family gatherings or even weddings.
For some, equipment like chairs, tables, bounce houses, trailers and barbecues may be needed. Instead of using other vendors and spending hundreds of dollars, service members and their families, both active duty and retired, can take advantage of Marine Corps Community Services’ Recreational Equipment Issue Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
The issue facility is the one-stop shop to meet all camping and family gathering needs and offers everything at a low price. From cookers and dunk tanks to sleeping bags and campers, the Recreation Equipment Issue Facility carries a good stock of equipment with everything still fairly new and kept in great condition.
Campers rented out to service members come equipped with a sleeping area, bathroom, fridge, stove, microwave, electricity and air conditioning and heating, all at around $20 to $40 a day.
“We supply a lot of unit family fun days and change of command ceremonies,” said Chris Alger, the sports branch head with the Semper Fit Division, MCCS. “Units use it to boost morale and host cookouts and we make sure everything is offered at a low cost.”
By going through the issue facility, service members and their families can look forward to a saving while still having a good time. Inflatables from the Recreation Equipment Issue Facility can run someone anywhere from $50 to $70 a day, while the same equipment could run them $300 to $400 out in town.
“We make some money, but most of it goes right back into the program to make sure everything is in great condition for the next person that might use it,” added Alger.
The issue facility is also stocked with smaller items like ice chests, fishing poles, volleyball equipment and cots.
For those looking to do some yard work but lacking the tools, the Recreation Equipment Issue Facility also has that covered.
“With being in the military also comes a lot of moving from station to station,” said Alger. “Here, we offer lawn and garden equipment for those who want to do a little yard work but don’t want to go out and spend money on a lawnmower or log splitter.”
Items like a simple axe, hedge clipper, ladders, lawn edger, post hole diggers, pressure washers and stump grinders can be rented for anywhere from $1 to $35.
With spring just a few months away and the facility looking forward to a busy summer, Alger said it is a good idea to book in advance. Booking can be arranged up to a year ahead of time and can be scheduled by calling the facility.
Even with low prices, customers can still expect to receive great equipment. The facility has an on-site mechanic and all inflatables are sanitized and checked for damage after every use. Once an item has been inspected and cleaned, it is ready for the next family, unit gathering or garden usage.
“We get service members and retirees from all over, be it the air station, Fort Bragg or some other area. We are by far the biggest recreational equipment issue facility in the area,” said Alger. “All anyone needs to rent out equipment is a military (identification card) or be (Department of Defense) affiliated. This is a great resource and I highly recommend it to anyone who plans a camping trip, family day or just someone who wants to get some yard work done.”
The Recreation Equipment Issue Facility is located between the Harriotte B. Smith Library and the car wash station. The facility can also be reached at 451-1368 and a full listing of rental equipment can be found at the MCCS Web page on www.mccslejeune.com/recissue/index.html.