Photo By Eryn Navarro | YOKOSUKA, Japan (15 July 2025) Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY's) Child and...... read more read more
Subscribe
YOKOSUKA, Japan - Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Child and Youth Programs (CYP) recently welcomed 16 academic interns from Utah Tech University as part of the Trailblazer Internship Program to address unexpected CYP staffing shortages. Installation Director Debra Fuselier discussed how this innovative partnership has benefited the community.
CFAY CYP provides high-quality childcare and recreational programming for military families, including Child Development Centers (CDCs), School Age Care (SAC) programs, teen centers and youth sports. Maintaining consistent staffing across these programs can be challenging due to frequent turnover associated with overseas assignments.
An unexpected shortage of qualified candidates early this summer temporarily paused day-to-day operations at the teen center. “Due to the shortage, we had to make tough decisions about our programming” said Debra Fuselier, CFAY CYP Director.
“We understand wholeheartedly that the teen center is a safe space for many teens,” Fuselier said. “The decision to pause didn't come lightly. But in order to sustain custodial care required at our CDCs (Child Development Centers), we had to shift teen center staff elsewhere.”
In response, CFAY coordinated active-duty service members who stepped up to volunteer at the teen center, allowing it to remain open with reduced hours.
“We’re lucky to have both a command and community that are truly willing to support us the way they do” Fuselier added.
While this short-term, volunteer solution was still being coordinated, CFAY continued searching for a sustainable staffing solution – Their solution arrived in the form of the Utah Tech Trailblazer internship program.
The Trailblazer CYP initiative is a paid academic internship that places university students in Navy CYP programs around the globe. CFAY CYP initiated the request for 16 interns, and within just four weeks received approvals, interviewed candidates, and flew them to Yokosuka, Japan. CFAY became the first naval base in the Pacific to launch the program.
“The interns go through the same application, interview and background-check process just as with any new hire,” Fuselier said. “We onboard them like regular employees - they really become part of the team and get the full CYP experience.”
Once onboarded, the Utah Tech interns had to go through 40 hours of training and observation. After the successful completion of training, the interns were placed across four CYP locations including: Gridley CDC, Duncan CDC, Third Avenue SAC, and Green Street SAC. This placement allowed the previously relocated full-time staff back to their positions at the Teen Center.
“Our welcome was super warm,” said Kenai Dain, an intern working at the Third Avenue SAC. “You could tell we were needed, and they were really happy we were here.”
Over 12 weeks, the interns will help bridge staffing gaps while full-time employees are hired. That additional support has allowed CYP to avoid closing classrooms or limiting hourly care. SAC summer field trips are continuing -and most notably, both teen centers reopened with regular business hours a month ahead of schedule.
At the six-week mark, several interns shared their reflections.
For some, it was their first time abroad.
“The language barrier was a little tough at first,” said Gerry Lopez. “But everyone’s so friendly. I’ve always loved Japanese culture, so stepping off the plane and seeing signs in Japanese was so cool.”
Others are seasoned participants, like Abby Farish, who is on her fourth CYP contract.
“I’m studying education, and this has been such a great opportunity to travel while earning credits and gaining experience working with kids,” she said. Her past internships include San Diego, Hawaii and Sigonella, Italy.
While the intern’s fields of study range from education and child development to aviation and exercise science, they all expressed an appreciation for the CYP program and its mission.
“Everything is super organized,” Gerry noted. “You can tell the staff really care about the kids and follow through with their programming. I think that’s awesome.”
Despite working full-time hours, the interns are making the most of their weekends. They’ve explored local temples, visited aquariums, attended baseball games, learned to rock climb, and even hiked Mt. Fuji.
“We like to do something fun together on the weekends,” said Kate Myers, an intern at Third Avenue SAC. “It’s important we appreciate the time we have here.”
When asked if they’d return, the answer was unanimous: “Yes!”
“It’s cool to travel,” said Aimee Dayberry, who previously interned in Lemoore, California. “But what’s really rewarding is serving military families and helping the kids.”
Looking ahead, CFAY CYP is considering making the Trailblazer program a recurring summer initiative. With more advanced planning and budgeting, they hope to expand it in the future.
“We are beyond grateful for these summer interns,” Fuselier remarked. “They’ve brought fresh eyes, great energy and new ideas.”
CFAY CYP remains in need of volunteers - especially for youth sports - and encourages community members to consider joining the team.
“There are so many ways to give back,” Fuselier said. “We always have openings, and there’s a place for everyone - whether it’s working with infants or teens. If you’re interested in CYP, there’s a place for you.”
For more information visit https://www.navymwryokosuka.com/child-youth
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2025 21:31 |
| Story ID: | 544325 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CFAY CYP Trailblazer Internship Program Kicks Off, by Eryn Navarro, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
