MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Despite the impact of federally mandated furloughs, the Exceptional Family Member Program aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico is determined to offer an activity-filled summer for special needs children on base.
With nearly half of the camp’s 50-plus staff unavailable due to furloughs, the EFMP aboard Quantico canceled their week-long summer camp this year. However, as an alternative, the program will offer five “Summer Fun Days.”
It’s an option, Monique O’Neil, program manager at EFMP, said allows the program to operate with a leaner staff and provide a much-anticipated diversion, which can be difficult for parents of special needs children to find off-base.
“We wanted to make sure our children had a camp [experience],” O’Neil said. “We understand that parents can’t just send their kids to any regular camp.”
O’Neil said EFMP camps, unlike most summer camps, have trained staff who are equipped to handle the educational, mental and medical needs of special needs children.
During indoor and outdoor adventure dates, which are June 26, July 24 and August 7, children will participate in crafts, outdoor activities, fire safety from the Quantico Fire Department, and a visit from the Red Cross therapeutic dogs. In addition, the Families Overcoming Under Stress program will hold sessions to help the children identify their emotions. During the pool days on July 8 and 9, children will learn pool safety and advance their swimming skills at the Quantico 50-meter pool.
As a first-year staff member, Stephanie Baumann, family case worker at EFMP, said she’s eagerly anticipating this year’s events.
“I’m looking forward to interacting with the children and seeing excitement on their faces,” Baumann said. “Plus, I’m really happy that we’re at least able to provide families with something that gives their children an opportunity to meet other kids their age and to participate in fun activities.”
Parents can visit the EFMP office at 122 Neville Road to register. Deadline for registration is June 14. There’s a $5 fee per child for each day with a maximum payout of $15 for those with three or more children. The camp will be staffed by EFMP members, the Child Youth and Teen Program, and health professionals, totaling around 20 people.
Since the camp can only hold 15 campers during the first three dates and 30 for the last two pool days, O’Neil said parents should be flexible.
“You can sign up for everyday, but it’s contingent on how many other people register,” O’Neil said. “Our goal is to give everyone an opportunity to attend at least one day.”
For information, contact the EFMP office at 571-931-0524 or email quanticoefmpoffice@usmc-mccs.org.
Staff Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com