More than 80 children enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities during a Youth Deployment Camp at the Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton recreation center, April 3.

Approximately 30 service members from commands around the region volunteered to teach children how to properly march and gave instruction on military bearing.

“This is the first time we hosted this event here,” said Miranda Chapman, event coordinator. “The purpose of the Youth Deployment Camp is to educate children about deployments and explain what their parents go through in the military.”

The event was sponsored by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Child and Youth Programs in partnership with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

“Children have an opportunity to gain an idea of what their parents experience during deployment and how important it is to give their parents a proper homecoming,” said Chapman. “I would like to thank all the active duty volunteers, teen mentors and Capt. Tanaka for supporting us here today.”

Capt. Reid Tanaka, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap, led the children with the opening ceremony and youth military oath.

“I am really happy about doing this today and we have lots of activities in store for the children,” said Tanaka. “Many of them have parents who went on a deployment and it’s important for children to be cultured about what their parents do for our country.”

Sgt. Maj. Brent Cook, Marine Corps Security Force Company (MCSFCo), Bangor, kicked off the event by motivating the children to march around the gym and perform physical training such as push-ups and jumping jacks.

“They get a chance to understand deployments and appreciate what their parents do,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate (SS) Steve Owens, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23).

At the end of event, a special home coming celebration was held with their parents as a way to recognize them for their long day youth deployment camp.

For Lance Cpl. Erik Rasmus-sen, volunteer from MCSFCo, the event was a great way to teach children about the military life style.

“This is a great activity,” said Rasmussen. “I have a little sister back home and I think more children need to learn about discipline through activities like these.”