FORT CARSON, Colo. -- "There are many kinds of courage. Awesome kinds and everyday kinds. Still, courage is courage -- whatever kind." -- Bernard Waber, "Courage."
Courage, in its different forms, was the message at Tell Me a Story at the Special Events Center, Sunday. The literacy event, sponsored by the Military Child Education Coalition, takes place twice a year.
It was an opportunity for Families to listen to the story, "Courage" by Bernard Waber, and participate in various activities.
Although the event was scheduled for the same time as Trunk-or-Treat at Soldiers' Memorial Chapel, Tracy Brown, team lead for MCEC's Parent to Parent program, said she was pleased with the attendance. About 50-60 children participated.
"It was still a good turnout," she said.
The story was read by Brown's daughter, Rachel Brown, a captain in the Colorado Springs Police Department Cadet Explorer program.
"Courage is something I can teach them about on a personal level," she said. "I am a military brat, so I know what they go through, and being a military brat takes a lot of courage on its own."
After the story, participants were divided into groups. Facilitators led discussions on what courage is and how children be more courageous in their own lives.
The books are chosen specifically for the challenges of the military community, Tracy Brown said.
"We like … to tie it into some sort of activity in their life," she said. "It's very timely with fires and floods. There's been so many different faces of courage in Colorado Springs in the last couple of years."
After the discussions, there was a craft activity, making a patriotic-themed picture frame.
"It's to put your hero in," said Louise Webb, Parent to Parent cadre.
McGruff the Crime Dog was there to give high-fives and hugs, and volunteers helped fingerprint children for identification kits.
The Colorado Springs Police Department brought a police car and allowed children ran to climb in and try out the siren.
A Fort Carson fire engine was on display, and firefighters answered questions.
"I think it's wonderful," said Family member Manna Somerville. "I just think it's a good activity for the Family to come and enjoy."
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