MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A Kids Expo was held at the main gym recently to showcase the activities that cater to the youth aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
Groups from around the station set up booths at the Expo to raise awareness to children and parents alike of the many opportunities available to youth here.
The Expo offered plenty of information about a variety of services available to the youth aboard the station. Among the activities featured were groups such as the Iwakuni Mentoring Program, Branch Medical Clinic, Drug Education for Youth, Red Cross, various athletic organizations for children and more, according to Laura Kline, fitness coordinator.
"We don't ever want it heard that there is nothing for children to do at Iwakuni," said Kline. "There's something for everybody here and that is what this Expo is all about. Basically, we're showing the community what we have to offer so they can decide what's right for them."
For the children who attended the Kids Expo, it was a chance to see how much there is to do on station.
"I had a great time at the Kids Expo," said Hiroaki Yamamoto, 8, Kids Expo participant. "I learned there's so much to do on base and I never need to be bored."
Although the Expo was aimed towards children, many of the groups took advantage of the opportunity to get their information out to young Marines and volunteers as well.
"We're out here to let children know what the Boy Scouts has to offer them," said Mary Jane Johnson, Boy Scouts Committee chairman, "but we also want Marines to know how important their involvement to the youth aboard Iwakuni is."
Many organizations on the station offer children a sense of belonging as well as a way to adjust to their new environment, according to Nicole Price, Girl Scouts Troop Committee chairman.
"We do a lot of different activities with our host nation counterparts," said Price. "It's a great way for girls to meet other girls both on and off base."
This Kids Expo was just the beginning of what the station hopes will continue in the future to help inform the youth.
"We came out here to let people know what the Provost Marshal's Office can do for them," said Staff Sgt. Bernard Higdon, PMO physical security specialist. "Today we're fingerprinting kids and trying to get them interested in safety and how PMO can help them. The Expo was a great opportunity for us, and all these groups to get kids involved in something they like."
The Expo was the first of its kind at Iwakuni, and plans are already in place to continue it in the future, according Kline.
"This is the first year for the Kids Expo, but we already have it budgeted for next year," said Kline. "We're really happy with the turnout and we expect that to increase as this event grows.
To find out more information on youth activities aboard the Sstation, call 253-5051.