Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Dae McDonald | Pine View Campground’s support staff member Adam Smith hosts bingo during the...... read more read more
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FORT McCOY, Wis. –- Inclement weather was no match for the organizers of Pine View Campground’s family day July 20, 2019 outside Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
The skies cleared shortly after a morning thunder storm, bringing campers and families traveling from nearby communities to the event.
Pine View Campground’s Administrative Assistant Mindy Forsythe and her team devised a plan that allowed guests the opportunity to play a few rounds of free mini-golf, sand crafts, face painting and bingo.
“It was just supposed to be a fun event to get the general public out, along with the campers here and just give them a fun-filled day,” Forsythe said. “The general public has to put up with some of the loud noises with the ranges … you have Soldiers everywhere in the summer time … we want to … give back to the surrounding communities.”
Though Forsythe was able to host alternate events that the entire family could enjoy, kids in the area were also able to participate in normal campground activities. The recreational options that remained functional after the storm, included basketball, biking and a jungle-gym.
“Family means togetherness and we promote that here,” Forsythe said.
The event is also an opportunity to forge community relations with military culture. It’s specifically held to show appreciation from a military standpoint for all of the support that comes from the surrounding cities.
“I think (Soldiers) enjoy it, I think it gives them something to look forward to ... and know that we … do look forward to them spending time as a family. We care about the way that they feel and their everyday lives,” Forsythe said.
While family day is organized more toward the younger crowd, one parent in particular, attends the event for a deeper purpose.
“I guess it would be a lot of the values, integrity, respect … honor,” said Veteran Larry Jackson from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He brings his kids to Pine View Campground events hoping they will absorb some of these military values.
Jackson further explained that anytime service members are around he notices a difference in the way Soldiers conduct themselves. He noted that a ripple effect of that structured behavior can have positive results within the local community.
Another beneficiary of that behavior is Forsythe, who said she also benefits from being in a military setting and have always worked within the culture. She said that she is proud of the ability to give back to service members and the local community.
| Date Taken: | 07.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2019 10:43 |
| Story ID: | 332295 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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