This Saturday at the YMCA camp near Oracle, the children of Americans in the military are being treated to a free day of activities coordinated through the Arizona National Guard and a number of other organizations.
The recognition day, a part of Month of the Military Child, is a family event at the YMCA of Southern Arizona's Triangle Y Ranch Camp and Retreat Center in Oracle. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the camp, located at 34434 S. Y Camp Road in Oracle.
The family festival features a picnic lunch, an Arizona National Guard VIP welcome, and interactive activity stations hosted by various military and community partners. Events and attractions include a rock wall, static educational displays, ball toss, an F-16 simulator, fire truck, K-9 demonstrations, a basketball clinic, crafts and more.
Members of the new American Legion Post 132 in Oro Valley are interested in helping the children of American military personnel, "particularly children who have a loved one deployed," a release said.
In joining the many military and community organizations contributing to the event, the Oro Valley post is supplying water for all attendees, who may number 500. A cash donation, roving magicians and musicians from the membership, and support tasks by more than a dozen post and women's auxiliary members add to the locals' contribution.
The post wants to reach military families throughout the area. People may call 229-1064.
Pre-registration is requested for Saturday's event. People may go to www.jointsupportservices.org to sign up. Those with questions may call Jennifer Kartchner at (602) 629-4418 or Terry Jarrell at (602) 267-2593.
