MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members and their families may have difficulty finding a baby-sitter at nine in the morning on those days they would like to workout. To alleviate this problem, Marine Corps Community Service's Semper Fit program offers a free-of-charge, but not free-of-time, solution.
While parents workout, the Co-Op Shared Baby-sitting Program gives free child care to children 6 weeks to 5 year olds in return for those parents baby-sitting a few times each month.
"The program is run by the parents who sign up. They decide times, schedules and what days they can baby-sit. In exchange for their time baby-sitting, they receive two hours of child care Monday through Friday," said Sherie Sturgis, Semper Fit Health Promotions assistant.
Sturgis said the program has been aboard the Station for more than two years now, but runs into problems when volunteers leave to new duty stations.
"It's such a good program, but it can only run if we have volunteers. The more volunteers we have, the less people have to baby-sit," she added. "Not only does this program appeal to parents finally getting a chance to workout again, but their children also. The social skills learned by the children and friendships made amongst the volunteers are just a few of the benefits without the drawback of paying for day care."
According to Sturgis, program officials are planning to further accommodate the children's needs by renovating the co-op room.
"We will be renovating the room to liven it up for the children's appeal as well as invest in more toys, art supplies and a reading room," stated Sturgis.
The program seems to be a hit for many aboard the Station.
"I love the program. It's flexible with my schedule, and I finally have time to hit the gym," said Dottie Bogan, Co-Op Shared Baby-sitting Program volunteer. "I just wish more people took advantage of it."
Whether parents want to try a new aerobics class or do some laps in the pool but don't have anyone to watch the kids, look no further; the Co-Op Shared Baby-sitting Program is here to lend a hand.
"Parents shouldn't have to pay for an experienced child care provider when they can watch one another's kids and know their child is being taken care of," said Sturgis.