MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- With the new school year approaching, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, hosted their third annual “Operation Field Day” at Camp Pendleton’s Lake O’Neill, July 25.

The affair was part of BBBS’s Operation Bigs, a program that reaches out specifically to military parents. The idea is to facilitate one-on-one mentorship, where a child can spend quality time with an adult companion, named “big brother” or “big sister.”

The children and their mentors normally meet weekly during the school year to build stronger bonds and relationships.

“This annual field day helps to continue the mentoring relationships from one school year to the next, bridging the summer-break gap,” said Maureen Hopman, match support specialist, Operation Bigs, BBBS San Diego. “This allows the children and their mentors a great opportunity to see each other outside of typical school-year sessions, in a new and fun environment.”

Military children with their families and mentors were invited to attend the free event filled with activities such as paddle boating, miniature golf, fishing, horseshoes and barbecue.

“It’s important that we give back to family members of the military and recognize the sacrifices they make,” said Tina Rose, marketing director, BBBS San Diego County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Operation Bigs program hosts many events annually to mentor children of deployed service members.

"Opportunities for mentors to connect with their ‘little brother’ or ‘sister’ during the summer break can help comfort children who have a parent deployed," said Paul Palmer, chief executive officer, BBBS San Diego County. "Nationally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has experienced an increase in match retention between school years when summer activities are offered."