Marines

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Camille, a military dependent, works on her art project during the Summer Kids Club hosted by the Armed Services YMCA aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s Tarawa Terrace residential area July 19. The youngsters were spellbound as they focused on creating masterpieces made of colorful foam cut-outs and an excessive amount of glue.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Nik S. Phongsisattanak

Military children get crafty at Kids Club

19 Jul 2012 | Lance Cpl. Nik S. Phongsisattanak Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Military parents in search of summer activities for their children have found a resource right in their neighborhood.  

Children gathered around a table and busily collected materials while they crafted art during the Summer Kids Club hosted by the Armed Services YMCA aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s Tarawa Terrace residential area July 19.

The class was open to children between ages four and six. The youngsters were spellbound as they focused on creating masterpieces made of colorful foam cut-outs and an excessive amount of glue.  

“The workshop is great for the kids,” said Kristy Inoa, a military spouse who registered her daughter for the class. “My daughter loves all of the art and she gets the opportunity to make new friends.”

When school is out, parents like Nina Alvarez, a military spouse, hunt for activities for their children.

“This is fantastic because it gives children something to do after the school year,” said Alvarez, a military spouse who attended the workshop with her daughter. “I have older kids who love coming here for the art and science classes. It’s hard to find something age appropriate. I really appreciate services like this and these events are within our budget.”

Alvarez said she utilized the YMCA when she was stationed aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, so when she arrived at MCB Camp Lejeune, she immediately searched for the organization here.

Seeing the organization supporting the military community shows how much they care about military families.

“I think it is important to offer kids of all ages something they can claim as their own,” said Denise Cordova, the assistant program director with ASYMCA. “They get out of the house and use their creative crafting skills. With deployments, everybody is fighting for attention from mom or dad. It’s a place where the kids can get together and have fun.”

Some of the children will send their crafts to deployed parents in care packages, noted Cordova.

“My favorite part about hosting Kids Club is seeing the children smiling and enjoying themselves,” said Cordova.

For more information on Armed Services YMCA call 450-0497 or visit www.lejeuneasymca.org.