FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., - Despite frosty temperatures, dozens of children and their parents took part in Child and Youth Services PT in the Woods program at Gerlach Field, at sunrise, Apr. 15.
"It's the Month of the Military Child," said Nancy Starnes, Child and Youth Services director. "They need to know all of the ins and outs of what their moms and dads do, and it's about physical fitness."
Units excused their Soldiers from physical training so they could do PT with their children in the program, and the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade provided
Soldiers to lead the group in PT activities.
A few "woodland creatures" came out as well to encourage the children. Adult volunteers put on raccoon, squirrel and chipmunk suits and cheered on the children in their exercises.
Soldiers gathered the children into a circle and led them in stretching and calisthenics. Parents helped their children with the different exercises, coaching them on good form.
After stretching and strength-conditioning exercises, the children got cardiovascular training by running relays on the track.
Once the relays were finished, CYS provided a healthy breakfast and snack. The children also got a T-shirt to wear in honor of the day, and a chance to relax with their parents.
Spc. Markeeta Fielder, 58th Transportation Battalion, came to PT in the Woods because of her daughter.
"She wonders what I do in the morning," Fielder said. "It's good to get out of the house and have her see what I do in the morning."
Col. Steven Walburn, Staff Judge Advocate, volunteered with the event.
"It's a good way to participate with the kids," Walburn said. "It's a great experience, even though it's a little cold."
Walburn thought the event could help children get into the habit of physical fitness.
"It shows them you can do physical fitness and still have fun," Walburn said. "The more fun you have, the more likely you are to do it."
Morgan Loggins, one of the participants, shared why she got up in time for the 6:30 a.m. event.
"So I can exercise," Loggins said.
Loggins said she would do an event like this again, and had a message for any other children on post who missed the event.
"Can you please get up so we can exercise'" Loggins said.
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