Photo By Sgt. Erica Kirsop | Gunnery Sgt. David Granillo, the operations chief for Recruiting Station San Diego,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The 12th Marine Corps Recruiting District hosted its second annual Teen Summit aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., July 15 through 18.
Fourteen Marines traveled to San Diego with their teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 in tow for a three-day bonding seminar designed to help both teen and parent with various challenges that they may face while on recruiting duty.
“We here at 12th Marine Corps Recruiting District wanted to help promote a balance between recruiting duty and family time for our recruiters across multiple states,” said Maria Rodriguez-Callejas, the district family team building program trainer. “Part of the way that we did that was to create a program that allowed them to spend quality time with their children and not worry about work stress for a few days.”
Attendees participated in hands-on classes throughout the event. Topics included submitting college applications, financial planning for teens, social media safety, fitness and healthy eating. Each class was designed to keep parents and teens engaged through videos, projects, cooking lessons or open discussions.
“I really liked the classes they gave because everything was personalized for what we need,” said Cameron Burnett, age 16. “Even when we were talking about college or future plans they actually asked us individually what it is that we wanted to do and the best way to make that future happen.”
Many of the teenagers in attendance have parents stationed hundreds of miles from the district headquarters and do not regularly have the opportunity to participate in group events with others their own age that understand the military lifestyle. This event allowed them to not only meet those with similar lifestyles but to form a support network across the region.
“I came last year and made a ton of really great friends that I still talk to all the time,” said Lea Reyes, age 16. “I was really disappointed at first because I was hoping to see some of them this year, but then I realized that I get to meet new awesome people and make new friends.”
As with any Marine seminar fitness was key. On day two of the summit, parents and teens took part in various sports competitions including, kayaking, volleyball and a corn-hole tournament.
“I really liked the sports competitions the most because I got to just have fun with my dad,” said Burnett. “We don’t usually get the chance to do that because I live in another state and I loved it.”
The event came to an end after an all-day service project in Escondido, Calif. Attendees worked at various Habitat for Humanity locations to help build homes for veterans in the local area.
After speaking with college admittance personnel about what it was that made students competitive to college boards, summit organizers decided to add a third day to the event for a community service project.
“Many schools look for volunteer work and we thought this would serve a dual purpose,” said Rodriguez-Callejas. “It helps those in need, brings the parents and teens together and gives the teens a starting point for future volunteer work ideas.”
While the event only lasted three days, organizers are hoping that attendees walked away with lessons and friendships that will last well into the future.
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2015 18:43 |
| Story ID: | 172005 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SEATTLE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 145 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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