FORT SILL, Okla.-- More than 800 families helped Fort Sill kick off its celebration of military children with a Youth Summertime Activities and Teen Job Expo, March 31.
Parents and children wandered through booths set up in Rinehart Fitness Center to find out what activities were available over the summer.
Ann Chorman is the mother of four children ranging in ages from 2 to 16 years.
"I was looking for any type of different summer camp and for college opportunities for my 16 year old. This event is perfect for me and my family because there is something for everyone here," she said.
"I found swimming classes and sports camps and several camps in Lawton like 'A Pigment of Your Imagination' day class. The great thing about this expo is that it covers all activities on post and in Lawton. I picked up lots of pamphlets and brochures."
Chorman said she found something for her 16-year-old. The Lawton Area Transit System offers a bus pass for $30 for the entire summer or for an entire school semester.
"It's awesome because if she gets a job or gets involved in other activities she can take the bus and I won't have to drive her everywhere she wants to go," said Chorman.
Chorman, a military spouse who lives off post, said she thinks the expo is a great way to find something for each of her children to do to keep them active and out from in front of the TV screen.
"I can basically plan their whole summer plus activities for the upcoming year," she said.
Tanya Malloy, a parent of two, attended the expo and thought it was a good thing for the entire community.
"I plan on signing my kids up for the summer camp at the School Age Center and then we have found other activities for the weekends like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hike every Saturday morning at 9 a.m."
Haunani Livsey has two children and she said she found so many things for her kids to do this summer at the expo.
"I came to the expo looking for activities for my children to get involved in and I found a lot of things for them to do. I signed them up for youth sports and my daughter for girl scouts," said Livsey. "We just got here in July so I didn't know what all is available for the kids to do. This free expo was just what I needed and I'm so excited because this is very helpful for families."
Chandelyce Alexander, an employee at the Youth Center, was at the Hired booth letting teens know how rewarding an apprenticeship can be.
"I did the Hired program a couple of years ago and I really enjoyed it. I'm more of a people person now and it ended up getting me a job."
Alexander said she encourages all teenagers to focus on getting out there and staying engaged.
"It gives you the opportunity to get out there, meet new people and still have fun. You can learn so many new things, too."
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