Military families from all branches of service come to Monterey. Some military kids, like mine, are even born in Monterey.
Our local military community will be going all out to celebrate military kids this month. Join the Presidio of Monterey’s Child, Youth, and School Services on April 7th at the Porter Youth Center in Seaside to kick-off the month of celebrations. From 10:00 – 1:00, your kids will be able to enjoy bounce houses, local vendors, and even a VIP visit from the Fire Department! Best of all, this event is free and open to the public. One of the most difficult challenges facing military kids as they move from place to place is feeling a connection to the local community. Let’s all get out to celebrate!
The Naval Postgraduate School Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department are also celebrating with an Outdoor Arcade and Superhero Fun Run on April 11th. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or your favorite military kid—because they are superheroes, too! The event starts at the Tech Connection in the La Mesa housing community and goes from 1:30 – 4:30. The free, stroller-friendly run begins at 3:00. The event is in partnership with the Fleet and Family Support Center, a resource for new parents or parents new to the Monterey area.
Want to do even more to celebrate the military children in your life? April 13th is PURPLE UP day. Wear purple to show your support for military children. Purple is the perfect combination of Army green, Marine Corps red and Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard blue. Don your favorite shade to celebrate your favorite military kid. Appreciation certificates are another great way to highlight the role military kids play in our community.
Follow Presidio Child, Youth, and School Services on Facebook to learn about all the ways they are celebrating the military child this April. Visit www.monterey.navylifesw.com for upcoming MWR events. Check out #MonthoftheMilitaryChild on your favorite social media platform to connect with the celebration of these amazing kids on a broader scale. The Military Child Education Coalition’s celebration Toolkit can be found at www.militarychild.org/momc-tool-kit.
Thank you to all the military kids in our Monterey community and around the world. You rock!
Katie Begley is a Navy veteran and military spouse. Katie is an advertising sales executive for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. She is the mother of 1-year-old and four-month-old sons.