MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Ensuring the families residing on Camp Pendleton are offered programs that strengthen and develop good habits for a military lifestyle is a task that takes great dedication and patience.
Samantha J. Holt, family program director, Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA, is one individual who strives to better the Pendleton community by nurturing the families living here.
For more than 6 years, Holt’s dedication and concern to service members has led to the contribution of all families by giving them the opportunity to receive education and enjoy the benefits that the ASYMCA has to offer.
Since coming to the ASYMCA in 2003, Holt has been responsible for making sure that the ASYMCA continues its philosophy of strengthening families and encouraging individuals to reach their fullest potential. The ASYMCA gives the Pendleton community programs such as, Bright Start Family Literacy, Mommy and Me Preschool, Project Liberty Call and coordinates functions like the annual Father-Daughter Dance.
The ASYMCA also works with Camp Pendleton commands to identify avenues of service for active-duty personnel and their families that are not involved within the base’s existing functions or organizations.
Although Holt has a complex job, it is one she doesn’t manage on her own. Holt has a dedicated team working with her to get numerous amounts of projects off the ground, and they look to her for the guidance and motivation to complete these tasks.
“Samantha, being a military spouse, really understands what it takes for a family to live in the military,” said George B. Brown, executive director, ASYMCA Camp Pendleton. “By managing the pre-schools, after-school programs and summer camps, she shows that she is a valuable asset to our team.”
Being married to a Marine for 18 years and having two teenage children of her own, Holt knows how valuable having a bond is for a family in the military. She makes time for her family as well, whether it be band recitals or early morning soccer games.
“Nothing makes me happier than to help out families on base,” she said. “But like any mother would say, there is a special place in my heart for my own.”
Holt does not have any definitive plans when it comes to how long she will stay with the Camp Pendleton ASYMCA, but she plans to stay until life steers her in another direction.
“My time at Camp Pendleton has been quite the experience and it is amazing to see the young wives now, and look back from when I first came to this base,” Holt said. “Helping those new families transition with their children through experiences of military life is why I enjoy my job so much”