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After marching from the Community Activity Center to the youth center, the youth stand in formation for a briefing during the deployment camp at Lajes Field, July 28, 2012. This camp allowed military youth to gain a better understanding of what their parents go through during deployments. The camp provided another tool for developing Airmen and their families especially when a parent is absent from the home due to a deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory)
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Lajes youth complete deployment camp
Posted 8/2/2012 Updated 8/2/2012
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by 1st Lt. Mark Graff
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
8/2/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- The Lajes Field Youth Center hosted a deployment camp to familiarize children with the deployment experience here July 28.
The main goal of the program was to help children understand what their parents experience while deploying, said Carlos Wade, Youth Center sports director.
About 40 children, between 7 and 15 years old, participated in the event. The children were welcomed to the experience by Master Sgt. Chris Ramsdell, a former military training instructor, now with the 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
The children were organized into a military unit, complete with troop commander and first sergeant.
"The idea was to give them some responsibility," said Wade. "We have about three who are interested in joining the military."
Sean Rowland, 15, was the troop commander. He enjoyed the experience, but it was not without leadership challenges, said Rowland, son of Maj. Russell Rowland, 65th Air Base Wing Inspector General.
"It was fun, but being in charge is not always easy because you have to keep track of everybody and make sure everyone is doing their job," said Rowland.
Festivities began Friday afternoon when the children processed through a mock deployment line at 65th LRS facilities.
In the deployment line, children received mobility gear, equipment bags and learned about weapons safety on paintball guns. A paintball game - complete with safety briefing - was organized as well.
The paintball game received high remarks from the children.
The best part of the weekend according to Rowland: "Paintball. That was a lot of fun."
The kids were also taught to march in formation, a skill they mastered quickly.
"We completed a one and a half mile march today and they actually marched themselves," said Wade.
Technical Sgt. Yvette Prioleau, 65th Contracting Flight, an event volunteer taught the kids how to march in-step while singing a jodie.
"It was one that I sort of knew, but I kind of changed it and made it up. It was like one of those 'Hey Army, can you hear me? Pick up your tanks and follow me. We are the best at LYP (Lajes Youth Programs)'," said Prioleau.
On Saturday, a sports-themed obstacle course awaited the young deployers.
Lajes Field Youth Center employees sought the children's feedback when organizing the final event of the weekend, said Wade.
"We always get inputs from the kids. We told them we had an obstacle course and paintball, and they were excited," said Wade.
Obstacles included a dizzy-bat spin, juggling a soccer ball, completing a low crawl and throwing a football at a target.
Prioleau said the deployment camp experience was a satisfying one for everyone involved.
"With the activities and the marching that we've done, it's been a fantastic time. The little things they think they can't do, you show them some skills and they impress you," said Prioleau. "It's just fun to see the energy, the light in their eyes, and their accomplishments."
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