Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Marines ran up the hill towards Marshall Hall, wearing bright blue backpacks and carrying bunches of magnolia leaves. They had just experienced pregnancy, fed and bathed a baby, bowled a 100-point game, shared their feelings, and written messages against domestic violence — among other things. Now they were on their way to fire slingshots.
They were nearing the end of the Amazing Race, an event held each year by the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group to introduce Marines in the unit to the many resources available to them aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, of which they usually are not aware. The seventh Quantico Amazing Race was held Oct. 9.
“I found that if I brought in 20 base resources to do a PowerPoint presentation, the Marines were standing in the back of the room to keep from falling asleep,” said Amy Watson, the former Family Readiness Officer for MCESG, who originally conceived of the event. “I thought, ‘how can I educate them in a way that sticks?’”
In 2009, she was inspired by the television show “The Amazing Race” to design a scavenger hunt that took Marines around the base, visiting the offices of various support programs and completing tasks along the way. At each location, they got a clue that would lead them to the next station. They worked in small teams of four or five and the fastest team won a day of liberty.
“After that first one, I asked the Marines to raise their hands if they learned anything,” Watson said. “Every hand in the room went up.”
Watson said the event works because it combines professional military education with physical training. It facilitates learning in all three major ways: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. It also taps into the Marines’ competitive spirit.
“Nobody goes into the Marine Corps with the hopes of coming in second,” Watson said.
“This event is unique throughout the Marine Corps,” said Capt. Alexandria DesJardins, the adjutant for MCESG. “The Marines and all the resources on base look forward to it. Marines can get stuck in their barracks, and this really opens their eyes.”
“It’s Education 101!” said Capt. Zach Yoxtheimer, one of the Marines who participated in the race.
The course of the Amazing Race is different each year. This year, Marines visited the bowling alley in Little Hall, which Watson feels is under-utilized. At the Red Cross station, they had to memorize and recite the contents of a First Aid kit. At the Family Advocacy Program’s station, they worked as teams to move themselves across a parking lot on a set of wooden skis.
They went through a modified version of the New Parent Support program’s Baby Bootcamp, where they had to wear empathy bellies, try out labor positions, and feed, burp, and change squalling babies.
All together, they visited 17 stations across the base, learning along the way about the many organizations that exist to support them as Marines.
“It was very motivating,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Williams. “Usually after PT my motivation is here,” he said, raising his hand to the top of his head, “but after this run, it’s up here.” He stretched his arm above his head.
“It really built camaraderie and cohesion,” agreed Pfc. Rayshon Thornwell.
— Writer: auphausconner@quanticosentryonline.com