MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Staff members from the Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills program provided a fun and educational experience to New Bern elementary children, Feb. 12.
The L.I.N.K.S program visited Creekside Elementary School in New Bern and held a class to instruct Marine and Sailor dependents on various aspects of military life.
L.I.N.K.S. is a volunteer program designed by Marine Corps spouses. The program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle for Marines, spouses, children and extended family members.
Some topics covered during the elementary school visit were Marine Corps history and traditions, the emotional stress of deployment and frequent moving, and how to be active in the community. The students were also taught the Marines’ hymn.
“We do different types of activities that are fun and interactive during the class,” said Jessica Livingston, a L.I.N.K.S. trainer.
One teaching tool used during the class included handing out rewards for correct answers. The children also participated in an exercise in which they acted out emotions they might feel while moving to another duty station, starting a new school, and making new friends.
“Because the Marine Corps is so near and dear to their heart, these topics are very meaningful to them,” Livingston said. “Hopefully this will cause them to go home and start conversations with service members in their family.”
Livingston added the topics covered during the classes are important for children of Marines because they offer a way for children to cope with the difficulties of military life and explain the purpose behind the sacrifices their families make every day.
“The children’s lives will be a lot smoother if they understand they are not alone,” Livingston said.
“They share the same difficulties with other military families and understand why they go through those hardships.”
Livingston added although the L.I.N.K.S staff left the air station to teach the class, dependents aboard Cherry Point can take advantage of the course held quarterly at Bldg. 294, Wing 7, inside the Marine Corps Team Building office.
For more information about L.I.N.K.S. programs contact Jessica Livingston at 466-5588 or visit the L.I.N.K.S. Web site at http://www.mccscherrypoint.com/links.htm.