MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Main Exchange Concourse was a busy place Saturday as the young and ‘young at heart’ participated in Camp Pendleton’s 11th Annual Kids First Fair.
Activities were everywhere on the concourse, including a petting zoo, bouncing castle, 25-foot inflatable slide, fire and police department exhibits, bird house, and shelf construction kits, clowns and a live disc jockey.
Marines, Sailors and their families gained valuable information on how to keep children safe and healthy, said Trish B. Spencer, administrator for Children Youth and Team Programs, a division of Marine and Family Services, here.
The Kids First Fair brings the spotlight on everything the Corps offers families before, during and after deployments.
“A Marine cannot be mission-ready if he’s not sure that we’re taking care of his family back here at Camp Pendleton,” Spencer added.
The event kicked off the Month of the Military Child.
“This particular month highlighted the uniqueness of our military children,” said Spencer, a resident of Oceanside.
Every year the event has grown. This year having more than 70 booths makes it the largest Kids First Fair yet.
“While the parents are asking direct questions (of the representatives at the booths), the kids are interacting at the tables,” said Spencer, who also helped organize each of the ten previous events.
“It’s a great chance for the children to spend a fun, no-stress time with their parents,” added Robinson, a 38-year-old resident of Temecula. “The kids really enjoy themselves.”
Steven E. Hasty, a former Navy corpsman, has served as the DJ and master of ceremonies for all 11 of the fairs.
“I like getting our community together,” said Hasty. “It’s our block party.”
The fair had representatives from every child and family assistance organization aboard Camp Pendleton.
“There’s a huge pool of resources available to all families on and off base, including mental health, reading and after-school programs,” said Robinson.
“As long as you have the support of senior leadership, the event is going to be successful,” said Robinson.
Based on feedback from those in attendance, the event was indeed a success.
“Everything is good-to-go,” said 1st Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Sgt. Maj. Barry E. Morgan, father of five-year-old Jacob T. Morgan. “The kids are having a blast.”
“The Marine Corps has always done a phenomenal job focusing on families and their quality of life,” said Spencer. “Coming from a Marine Corps family, it’s wonderful to see that emphasis.”