Kids On Site Child Care Center opens at fitness center

By Amanda StephensonMay 7, 2010

Kids On Site Ribbon Cutting
(Left to right) Lucian Kimble, program manager at the Jimmy Brought Fitness Center; Chaplin (Maj.) Vernon McClearn; Col. Mary Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group commander; Terry Frost, deputy director, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recrea... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The Jimmy Brought Fitness Center and the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Venture Point initiative have taken away one of the most common excuses parents have for not exercising regularly: "I don't have anyone to watch my kids."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30 unveiled the new Kids On Site Child Care Center located inside the fitness center, offering convenient, hourly, on-site child care for parents and guardians using the facility.

Funded by the Army Family Covenant, the center offers a public service that allows Fort Sam Houston parents to take time out for themselves during their busy day - whether it's squeezing in 30 minutes on the treadmill, a few laps in the pool or relaxing in the sauna.

KOS features age-appropriate activities and toys for children 6 weeks to 12 years old in six distinct play areas: the Creation Station, the Library and Computer Center; Dramatic Play and Music Center; Science and Sensory Center; the Manipulative and Group Activity Area and a Dedicated Infant Area.

The suggestion for a child care facility inside the Jimmy Brought was proposed more than a year ago by a member of the FSH community through the Community First/Army Family Action Plan.

"Military families often face single-parent situations due to deployments or long work hours and trying to maintain personal fitness can be a challenge," said Col. Mary E. Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group commander.

"When you expose children at a young age to the importance of exercise, they're more likely to make it a priority in their lives," Garr said.

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