MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- “Mommy, what’s that?” asks two-year-old Michelle Sanchez, pointing to a basket of fruit. “That’s called a pear, sweetie,” her mother replies. “See the shape how it’s different than the others?”
Questions from curious children filled the air at the Marine Corps Community Services Family Fun Fitness Festival at Camp Pendleton’s Pacific Plaza Commissary, May 13. The event boasted fitness demonstrations, a live DJ, information booths, food sampling and special savings at the commissary.
“We came to the festival so [my kids] can learn about fitness and have fun doing it,” said Adrianne Snyder, a mother of three. “They seem interested in the brochures and are asking a lot of questions about fitness.”
Kids also had the opportunity to win prizes from a free raffle and learn about different ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Today’s goal is to showcase all the programs MCCS has to offer,” said Gwen Harthoorn, Marine Corps Community Services Customer Relations. “We’re letting kids and parents know what’s [on base] and available to teach them about fitness while bringing everyone together to have fun.”
The festival was held in conjunction with a case lot sale, where shoppers could buy produce and household goods in bulk. After children and their parents learned about healthy foods, they were on hand and available for purchase.
“If I can teach them to eat the right things now and take care of themselves, when they become an adult it won’t be an issue and they’ll just know,” Snyder said. “I’m glad they’re offering this information to military children and families.”
Exercise was also a key factor emphasized at the festival. Kids and adults alike got their heart rates pumping in a bouncy castle.
“I think for longer lives, this is really important,” Harthoorn said. “A lot of our children in society suffer from obesity. If we can stop the cycle, educate them early so they know what exercise and healthy foods are. Healthy food is good for you, veggies are good for you, fruit is good for you. We’re doing this today in a way that’s fun and exciting and at the same time educational.”
For more about health and nutrition, visit MCCS’s website at www.mccscp.com.