CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton’s Single Marine Program offers unique trips and activities for single Marines and Sailors here on base.
One major event coming up is a trip to Big Bear Lake on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28. Marines and Sailors with a taste for adventure will have the chance to ski across the snow-capped mountains for a $60 fee that covers transportation, ski equipment, a free one hour lesson and a lift ticket.
Other events and activities will also be held at SMP facilities. Such events include football and mixed martial arts viewings, barbecues, poker and pool tournaments, lunch and movie marathons.
“2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the SMP, and Headquarters Marine Corps has funded some special activities on our installation such as large scale shows striving to serve up to 1,200 Marines and Sailors, tentative plans to host a live Ultimate Fighting Championship fight night on the installation and two comedy and musical entertainment concerts,” said Danielle West, Single Marine Program coordinator here. “We also plan to have two Big Bear ski trips, two San Francisco trips, two Las Vegas trips, a white water rafting trip and a Grand Canyon Camping trip.”
In addition to recreational events, the SMP also provides volunteer opportunities such as working for Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Adopt a School, beach cleanups, and assisting in retirement homes. Marines and Sailors on base may also participate in community service and quality of life advocacy programs.
“The quality of life advocacy program allows junior service members to have a voice, and the monthly SMP meetings allow them to bring up issues that they feel need to be addressed, such as the barracks, chow halls, recreation activities they would like to see, or just general questions about life on base,“ said West.
Service members may also unwind and meet new friends at SMP Recreation Centers that offer internet cafes, mini-movie theaters, pool, foosball, table tennis and hockey tables, video games, wide-screen televisions and refreshments.
“We went to Six Flags and it was pretty awesome,” said Cpl. Ryan Johnson, a Marine who participated in an SMP event last August. “We had a good time and got to go on all the rides. It was very organized but at the same time they give you the freedom to do whatever you want to do at the venue. I would recommend it to other Marines and I’d do it again if I could.”
For more information about what the SMP has to offer and a full schedule of events, please visit the website at http://www.mccscp.com/smp or contact the SMP manager at 760-725-6288.