MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is celebrating the Month of the Military Child by hosting classes available to all children aboard the depot throughout April.
Marine Corps Family Team Building prepared a total of eight classes, which help children understand the challenges associated with military life. Five of these took place the first week of April during spring break.
“We want to bring them into the forefront and give them credit for all they do and what they live through,” said Tracy Genica, Marine Corps Family Team Building trainer.
The first week of events included an interactive story time with parents, classes that help children understand the changing environments associated with the military, and a workshop that focuses on feelings and how to make good choices.
“It’s important to give positive recognition to what they do,” said Genica “They are the key to their parent’s success.”
This month is a sample of all the classes offered to children aboard the depot, said Patricia L. Kalaye, Marine Corps Family Readiness Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills trainer.
“Getting [the classes] will help them in the long run,” said Genica. “It puts valuable tools in their tool boxes.”
At each event, toys donated by Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors, were raffled off to the children.
The activity mornings are held regularly on the depot for children under five years old, allowing them to participate in crafts and tell stories. This gives parents and children an opportunity to socialize.
The last event this month will be a L.I.N.K.S. class for children ages six through 12 held at the building 6E classroom April 23.
L.I.N.K.S. is a volunteer, team-mentoring program that offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle, helping new spouses and children adapt to the unique challenges military life often presents.
This is the first year the depot has put together a set of events to celebrate this month and each had about 30 participants.
“Military children get missed a lot,” said Genica. “Their opinions are just as valuable as the spouse’s.”