GFAFB hosts Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Children's Activity Fair

  • Published
  • By Pam Schumaker
  • Force Support Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The second annual "Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Children's Activity Fair" was held on Apr. 28, 09 at the Grand Forks Air Force Base Community Center. This event was co-sponsored by The New Parent Support Program and Family Child Care in honor of the national "Month of the Young Child", "Month of the Military Child", "Child Abuse Awareness Month" and for 2009 the "Year of The Air Force Family". 

Over 150 parents and children attended this free fun-filled evening to participate in hands-on learning experiences. Activities such as water and noodle play, decorating cookies, magnetic blocks, play-doh, necklace making, giant waffle block building, creating toucans and planting seeds were all a hit. 

The children played a game of bean bag toss that involved questions to the parents on information about healthy eating. Security Forces made child ID's and the Fire Department helped to make the children more aware of fire safety. Parents and children spent time in the reading corner and with puppet play. Each child received a door prize and snacks were provided. 

McGruff, Sparky and the FSS Polar Bear were seen walking around the crowd and posed for photos with the children. Over 67 individual and siblings photos were taken; all of these received a certificate of participation, a magnet picture frame and were later displayed at the Community Center. 

The success of this event is contributed to the participation of many base agencies and to the more than 50 volunteers from civilian and military personnel. Support came from the Youth Member Programs, Family Advocacy, Airmen & Family Readiness Center, SARC, the Environmental Office, the Library, the Commissary, the Base Exchange, the swimming pool, Burger King and Drug Demand. Also setting up activities were the Health and Wellness Center, Escape Zone, Family Child Care, Security Forces and the Fire Department. 

Seeing parents and children bonding by playing together was the highlight of the evening. The "Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Children's Activity Fair" provided an opportunity for families to meet and visit with other parents of young children. It provided ideas for family activities and helped acquaint them with many agencies at Grand Forks AFB designed to make their tour of duty in North Dakota just a little easier and lots more fun!