Alexander Freeman, 4, son of Staff Sgt. Richard Freeman, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, throws a bean bag into a Hula-Hoop target as his father watches over him during the Month of the Military Child Carnival hosted by the Child Development Center, April 4, 2014.

Photo by Cpl. Charles Santamaria

CDC carnival marks Month of Military Child

4 Apr 2014 | Cpl. Charles Santamaria Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Children rushed to line the parking lot of the Child Development Center where they saw Hula-Hoops, sack races and other attractions set up during a carnival held April 4, 2014 to celebrate the Month of the Military Child.

Some CDC employees assisted in running the events while others guided each age group through the game stations. The event was open to all children enrolled in a course at the CDC.

“The event always has a great turnout,” said Yvonne Risper, deputy administrator, Children’s Youth and Teen programs, CDC. “One of the goals of our celebrations is to open it up to all children in the community so everyone can enjoy the festivities.”

The carnival featured bounce houses, bean bag tosses, sack races and tricycle races for families to enjoy. Children and teenagers participated in the events and won prizes.

“The parents are out here with their kids and it’s so exciting seeing the participation here,” said Melodie Chambers, family child care monitor, CDC. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the children. We do the military child events to show our appreciation for the families and some of the challenges children of military families go through.”

Approximately 300 children attended the carnival. Food stands provided snacks like popcorn and cotton candy for families to enjoy during the festivities. Throughout April, the CDC will hold weekly events to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. The next event is the Youth and Teen performance from April 14 to 16 which will feature poetry readings, artwork from children in the programs and skits.

“Most bases just choose one day for the month-long event, but we decided to celebrate all month long and we love the participation we see from the families,” Risper said. “After years of hosting these events, we realized that if it is a month of appreciation, then we should have festivities just as long. We do as much as we can for these families, because for me, it is an honor to be able to serve our military families.”