April is Month of the Military Child and we dedicate thisissue to the wonderful children ofFort Campbell. This is our chanceto celebrate the joy, pride, and

resilience that these amazing childrenbring into our lives. For this issue,

I wanted to take this opportunity to workclosely with Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS) to get a betterperspective of the services and programs that they offer. Turn topage 15 to learn more about all that’s new and exciting with CYSS. I also wanted to be able to feature the creativity and talent of someof our Military Children. Take a look through a child’s eyes in ourfirst ever MWR Life, CYSS School Age Services (SAS) and YouthServices (YS) photo contest on pages 3 and 4. It’s amazing to lookat an image from the perspective of a child. Next time you go outwith your little ones, try to see things through their eyes. Pay attention to things that interest them and use that to initiate a conversation. I am continually surprised at the insightfulness of children and how they observe things that we don’t even see. Eventhough my daughter is only six months old, I still try to look atthings from her perspective. What makes her smile and giggle?What is scary enough, to make the bottom lip stick out and tremblewith unshed tears? What must it be like to be so small and defenseless when the world around you seems so big? The emotions are right there, no hiding or deceit. It is a completely different type of communication and I learn something new from herevery day. Whether you have an infant, grade schooler, or teen,there are always opportunities to change your perspective. Openyour eyes to what they see and look at the world through the eyesof a child.

Inside this issue3Child’s PerspectiveThe winners of the post-wide photography contest.

8Growing ImaginationHelp your child learn the funof gardening by starting a garden with them.

10Little Hands...Big HelpersFun and easy recipes for you and your children.

15Growing with CYSSExplore the changes that are happening with Fort Campbell CYSS.

18Rivers & SpiresFestivalA fun filled weekend inApril with music, craftsand activities forthe whole Family.

20All in the FamilyMWR Life featured employees.

18 Family Child Care (FCC)21 School Age Services21 Autism Awareness Month

EditorMelissa Wells

ContributorsTara GoodsonAmanda HooverFelicia JeffersonKatherine KolodzieKeri McPeakSunny Smith

PublisherCreative ink

Creative DirectorSears Hallett

AdvertisingDavid LoosCreative ink931-206-4459sales@creativeinktn.com

PhotographyDeborah YoungTara GoodsonMelissa Wells

DreamstimeNuttakit cover

Disclaimers:Fort Campbell’s MWR Life Magazine is a monthly magazine produced by the Fort CampbellMWR Marketing Department under the authority of AR 215-1. Facilities and activities publicizedare open to authorized patrons.The mention or appearance of commercial advertisers, commercial sponsors and/or their logos does not constitute endorsement by the Federal Government. The information in this issue is current at the time of publication; activities andevents are subject to change.

MWR Marketing is located at 5663 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. For more information, call 270-798-7535 or log on to www.fortcampbellmwr.com.24 hr. event line - 270-798-3172 • www.facebook.com/fortcampbellmwr

Month of the Military Child

Melissa Wells, Editormwrlifeeditor@fortcampbellmwr.com

*MWR Life is proud to feature Family Members ofMWR employees on April’s cover.

This month, MWR Life partnered withChild, Youth and School Services (CYSS) SchoolAge Services (SAS) and Youth Services (YS) toinspire our youngest citizens to show us whatFort Campbell means to them. We asked kidsto submit a photo to be judged along with abrief description of what inspired them to take the photo. Twenty-nine wonderful photos were submitted and every single one was heartwarming; some bringing a smile and alaugh, and some even bringing tears to the eyesof the viewer. After speaking to several of thejudges, the one consensus was that it was hardto narrow it down to a winner in each category.What struck a chord with me was the pride thatcame through in each picture. All of our children are incredibly resilient and proud tohave a Family member stationed here at Fort Campbell.

After viewing the photos and readingthe children’s descriptions, I understood thejudge’s opinions a little better. Sunny Smith,Lead Training Specialist, came to the same conclusion that I did. “When I saw the photos,the first thing I thought of was how much timewe spend with the schoolagers/youth in ourcare and how much we don’t know about whatgoes through their minds. We play with them,help them make friends, help them with home-work, but there is a part of them that we can’treach-and that part is how much Fort Campbellmeans to them. Fort Campbell has become apart of them.”

When the staff was given the opportunity to participate, there was no hesi-tation on their part. Spencer Murdock, lead atthe Billy C. Colwell Youth Tech Lab, said he letthe kids know there was no right or wrong way

to take the pictures. “I was most impressedwith their willingness to participate with enthusiasm and amazed at the pictures theytook without a pre-conceived notion of patriotism.” Some of the children knew imme-diately what they wanted to take a photo of anda few pondered it a while before asking for thecamera. With submissions that ranged fromLEGO®s, to horses, to Family members,it was eye opening for both the children and thestaff. Spencer asked the kids why they took thepictures that they took and was impressed bythe responses that were given. Most associatedfun times with their parent to Fort Campbell,and I think that shows how many great resources we have available and the way we use them.

“This picture represents what I think about Fort Campbell, The101 Screaming Eagles Task Force. My dad is a pilot in the taskforce so that task force is what I think about Fort Campbell. Thatis why I took this picture.”

MWR Life Month of the Military Child Photo Contest

3

By Tara Goodson

A Child’s Perspective

The winner in the School Age Services category is Jonathon Sarazan.

www.fortcampbellmwr.com

Donna Davis, a Program Assistant atthe Photo Club at Lucas Youth Services, wasamazed at the composition and quality of photos submitted in the Youth Services category. She is very proud of each child’s entryand said it hit close to home for her as she iscurrently going through a deployment. The

children asked if they could go on a mini fieldtrip to a couple of locations around post. Pictures were taken at the Pratt Museum, theGander Memorial, the elementary school and afew other locations. Whether the photo was ofa building representing strength, or that of asolitary child, pride shines through in each and

every one. Some of the children asked Donnafor guidance and her opinion of what theyshould photograph. Donna reiterated to themthat the photo should capture what Fort Camp-bell means to them personally, and how theywant their feelings portrayed. They took thatidea and ran with it.

4

The winner in the Youth Services category is Tatianna Headen.

“Here is why I think this picture represents Fort Campbell. The reason why I think this picture represents Fort Campbell is because of the eagle and the people behind them. The reason for theeagle is because it is our symbol of our post The Flying Eagles. The reason for the children in the back is because of we are apart of the military. We are all Family; we have the same things incommon. This is why I chose this picture to represent this topic.”

www.fortcampbellmwr.com

This contest brought ustwenty-nine entries, two winners,and eight honorable mentions, allof which allow me to reflect on howchildren view our day to day lives.Just as Sunny said, we don’t knowwhat goes through their minds ona day to day basis. I know I will be

using these photos as a discussionpoint at dinner and lending out mycamera a little more often to mychildren. They say that our eyes area window to the soul. These pho-tographs give us a glimpse of whatis seen through the eyes of theseFort Campbell children.

Honorable Mention in Youth Services:Carlos Antonio Hernandez CaloMichael McClainRa’Geena RuffinJose Ignacio DavillaSakari Nichols

Honorable Mention in School Age Services:Jonathan ChachereMekhi BogeretyTa’Jon White

All photography contest entries can be viewed atwww.fortcampbellmwr.com/photocontest.

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Planting a Child’s GardenBy Melissa Wells

April 22 marks the 2011 annual EarthDay celebration. We often hear the phrase “gogreen,” but what does that really mean?Should we recycle more, stop using plasticwater bottles, use compact fluorescent lightbulbs, buy local, drive a hybrid, and walk towork when possible? All great ideas that cancertainly help the environment, but what do wereally know about that environment. I think thatone of the best and most relatable ways to be“green” is to become more familiar with what’sin your own back yard. This year celebrate theMonth of the Military Child and Earth Day byintroducing your child to soil; plant a garden.

I guess that I was really lucky that Igrew up on a farm with a deep understandingabout where food comes from and what ittakes to get it to the table. Many children onlyknow that vegetables come in pretty, pre-washed packages from the grocery store,and have no concept of what it takes to produce what’s on their plate. They don’t knowthat a fresh, home grown tomato explodes inyour mouth with a tangy taste of sunshine, quiteunlike the mushy reddish orbs served upstraight from the hothouse that are readily available in grocery stores. Not only will childrenenjoy the different tastes and textures of freshfruits and vegetables, but they can stretch theirimagination by picking out theirown plants, organizing a gardenlayout, and figuring out the bestway to eat what they havegrown. It is also a great way to get them outside and moving around. Additionally,this process is a wonderful wayto educate children about seasonality and that historically;all foods were not availableyear-round. It will encouage them to want to eat seasonally,another environmentally con-scious initiative.

There are many ideasto get your kids interested ingardening. For example, pick atheme for your garden. What’s

their favorite food? My bet is pizza is somewhere on that list. Try planting a pizza garden. Include plants such as tomatoes, peppers, basil, oregano, garlic, and onions anddiscuss how you will make a pizza with the ingredients once they are harvested. Talk aboutan incentive to take care of the garden! Children can also research other recipes for thefruits and veggies that they have planted as wellas ways to preserve the extras. This is also awonderful way to expand your child’s palate.They are much more likely to try a new food if

they have grown and nurtured itthemselves. Growing your ownvegetables also reduces theneed for packaging and transportation of that food. Eating local is a great “green”initiative!

Even if the idea of vegetable gardening doesn’t appeal toyou, you can still enjoy the outdoors and make childrenaware of their environment by planting a butterfly garden.You will enjoy a variety of butterflies as well as other natural pollinators such as birdsand honey bees. I like the idea

of planting these gardens next to a window.Not only can you look out to see butterflies ofall shapes, sizes, and colors, but you can enjoythe wonderful scent of the flowers and herbs.Planting herbs in your garden serves a dual purpose of attracting beneficial insects and providing wonderful flavors for your favorite meal.

A great resource for gardening information is R.F. Sink Library right here onpost. Encourage your child to research booksand magazines, look at pictures, and pick outwhat appeals to them. You might be amazedto find out that they choose the structure of aformal English garden, the wild nature of a cot-tage style garden, or a mixture of several dif-ferent styles. Either way, children love to usetheir imaginations and create. With a garden,the possibilities are endless. They can design agarden for color, for a favorite food, for scent, orfor wildlife. Encouraging a love of nature willonly make them more aware of their environment and what they can do to preserve it for the future.

www.fortcampbellmwr.com

Have fun and learn moreabout the environment at theUSAA and MWR Red, White,and Blue Goes Green FamilyEvent, April 30, 12 - 4 p.m.,Destiny Parks and Pavilions.

www.fortcampbellmwr.com 10

Little Hands Big HelpersOne of the easiest ways to connect with your children and to help

them be happier and healthier begins at the dinner table. Start a bit earlier byhaving your little ones help you prepare dinner. I found this to be a sure-fireway for my girls to enjoy what we were eating. It also gets them excited abouttrying new things. Call it bribery or buy in, either way they aren't picky eatersand they enjoy helping out in the kitchen. It is a win-win! Now that they areold enough to use knives safely, they act as my sous chefs and cut up the

vegetables or meat. Before I was comfortable letting them use a knife, I askedthem to stir sauces and even measure the ingredients. I also asked them to setthe table and clear their own plates after asking to be excused. Sitting downtogether to eat meals encourages conversation and allows your Family tobond. This is especially important for Families that are often in a state of fluxdue to deployment. While these kid friendly recipes focus on the entrée, justadd a veggie and a salad and you have a great meal!

Baked Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts2 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil1 cup bread crumbs 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp crumbled dried oregano 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Honey mustard dipping sauce:2 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil

Directions:Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Cut each of the chicken breasts into 4or 5 lengthwise "fingers." Place in abowl. Add the oil and stir to coat everything evenly. In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, Parmesancheese, oregano, salt and pepper. Transfer to a plastic bag. Add thechicken strips, 3 or 4 at a time, and shake to coat with the crumb mixture.Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chickenstrips and crumb mixture. Bake for 10 minutes, turn the strips over andcontinue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until nicely browned andcooked through. Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce. Blend the honey,Dijon mustard and oil in a food processor or blender until creamy.

Kebabs

2 chicken breasts or 2 beef fillets4 small red potatoes 3 zucchinis 3 ears of corn Olive oil

Directions:Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Soak eight wooden skewers in water for 30minutes. Cut meat into cubes (about 1 inch).Cut potatoes into halves, and the zucchinisand corn into 1 inch rounds. Place ingredientsonto skewers in the following order: corn, potato, meat, zucchini. Brush kebabs with oil.Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until veggies are tender and meat is done.

5-minute Tortilla Pizza

TortillasCheese Sauce

Optional: additional toppings

The sky’s the limit! If you are using additional toppings make sure theyare already cooked and don’t add too many or it could affect the

quality of the pizza.

Directions:Lay a tortilla on a pizza pan, cookie sheet or

baking stone. Spread a thin layer of sauce on tortilla. Add additional

toppings if desired. Remember; don’t add too much or it will weigh down your tortilla.Sprinkle with cheese and put in the oven under the broiler until thecheese melts. This only takes a few minutes, so watch it carefully.

Remove from oven, let cool, slice and serve.

By Tara Goodson

Child, Youth & School ServicesChild Development Centers (CDC)1. **24 Hour Care (opening FY-12)2. Bastogne (270) 412-44853. Eagle (270) 412-3303/33044. *Gardner Hills5. Part Day Preschool (270) 412-67676. Polk (270) 412-44717. Tennessee (270) 412-44778. Waters #1 (270) 439-79939. Waters #2 (270) 439-799610. *CYSS Directorate (270) 798-653911. Family Child Care (FCC) (270) 798-495912. *Kids on Site (Estep)11. Parent Central Services (CYSS Central Registration) (270) 798-0674School Age Services (SAS) Centers (270) 798-412914. Billy C. Colwell Center (270) 412-231515. *Gardner Hills16. *Werner Park #117. *Werner Park #211. School Liaison (270) 798-987418. SKIESUnlimited Center (270) 412-5455Youth Activites19. Teen Club 24/7 (270) 956-103319. Youth Center (Taylor) (270) 798-364319. Youth Sports (270) 798-6355

Community Services20. Army Community Service (ACS) (270) 798-932220. Community Service Center (Lee)

& ACS Director (270) 798-932221. Family Resource Center (FRC) (270) 956-293522. Financial Readiness (270) 798-551820. Lending Closet (270) 798-631323. Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) (270) 412-600024. Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) (270) 798-0277Armed Services YMCA25. Backdoor Boutique (270) 956-1566

26. Family Center & Co-op Daycare (270) 798-7422Dining & Entertainment

27. 19th Hole (Cole Park) (270) 798-182228. Conference & Catering Center (Joe Swing) (270) 798-217527. Community Activities Center (Cole Park) (270) 798-461029. Dawg Haus (270) 798-076627. Southern Buffet (Cole Park) (270) 798-461030. Sportsman’s Lodge (931) 431-4140

Recreation & LeisureAquatics32. Baldanado Pool (270) 798-520733. Dolan Pool (270) 798-535031. Gardner Indoor Pool (270) 798-631034. Singles Pool (270) 798-4247Outdoor Recreation35. *Arcade & Gaming Center (The Zone)36. BOSS Program (270) 798-785837. Bowling Center (Hooper) (270) 798-588727. Golf Club (Cole Park) (270) 798-490682. Challenge Course (270) 412-785539. Adventure Program (270) 412-785440. Archery Range (270) 798-217541. Dog Park, North (270) 798-217542. Dog Park, South (270) 798-217543. Hunting & Fishing (270) 798-217583. Paintball (270) 956-311838. Parks & Pavilions (270) 798-217545. Riding Stables (270) 798-262946. RV Park (Eagles Rest) (270) 798-217547. RV Park (Flechers Fork) (270) 798-217548. Skeet Range (270) 412-401549. Small Arms Recreational Range (270) 798-300136. Recreation Center (Dale Wayrynen) (270) 798-7391

Sports & Fitness50. Estep Wellness Center (270) 798-4664/4023 51. Fryar Stadium, Sports Admin Office (270) 798-3094

Physical Fitness Facilities (PFF)52. Fratellenico PFF (270) 798-941853. Freedom Fighter PFF (270) 798-735554. Gertsch PFF (270) 798-275355. Lozada PFF (270) 798-430656. Olive PFF (270) 798-410157. Softball Complex, North (270) 798-332058. Softball Complex, South (270) 798-3320

Trades & Services59. Army Education (270) 798-588660. Arts & Crafts Center (Guenette) (270) 798-669361. Auto Service Center (Air Assault Auto) (270) 956-1101/110062. Auto Skills (North) (270) 798-561260. Engraving Etc. Specialty Store (270) 798-017163. Equipment Rental (Gear to Go) (270) 798-680664. Library (R.F. Sink) (270) 798-572965. Veterinary Services (270) 798-3614

Travel & Lodging66. Army Lodging (Richardson) (931) 431-449667. Army Lodging (Turner) (270) 439-222968. Leisure Travel Services Office (270) 798-7436

Miscellaneous Services69. 101st Airborne Division Headquarters (270) 798-979370. Blanchfield Army Hospital (270) 798-805571. Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (270) 798-716172. Commissary (270) 798-366373. Division Parade Field74. Fisher House (270) 798-833075. Gate 4 Visitor Center & Vehical Registration (270) 798-504776. Gate 7 Visitor Center & Vehical Registration (270) 956-449577. In/Out Processing & MWR Public Relations (270) 798-753568. Main Post PX (270) 439-1841/184278. MWR Director (270) 798-995378. MWR Unit Funds & MWR Collections (270) 798-681880. Museum (Don F. Pratt) (270) 798-3215/498681. Wilson Theater (931) 431-3636*Coming Soon

Or call 1-877-406-4668, or visit us atwww.goarmy.com/mwr

15 www.fortcampbellmwr.com

GROWING WITH CYSS2010 was a historic year for Fort

Campbell as it was the first time during Operation Enduring Freedom that nearly theentire division was deployed at the same time.During that 12 month period, many changeshave taken place across Fort Campbell, including over 251 million dollars in renovation,building and construction projects for the 2010fiscal year. One agency in which many changeshave taken place is Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS).

There is nothing more important than the health and well being of our children. Parents will be interested to know thatmany improvements have taken place throughout CYSS, including over 25 million dollars in renovations, improvements, and newconstruction. Additionally, they continue toprovide the children of Fort Campbell with

many exciting new programs. This summer will bring about the

opening of three brand new centers for schoolaged children. This program, School Age Services (SAS), looks after more than 475 children from kindergarten to 5th grade. Theopening of these centers is a huge step for FortCampbell. According to Sunny Smith, LeadTraining Specialist, “this is very exciting becausethere were no SAS centers on Fort Campbell.We were using the school gymnasiums andother facilities where available. It is also greatbecause construction was actually completedahead of schedule.” The centers allow a placefor these children to receive before and afterschool care in a great environment dedicatedto their specific needs. Find out more aboutthese new centers on page 21.

Another new and exciting innovation

comes through CreativeCurriculum.net. Thisonline service allows parents to have a hand inand be a part of their child’s care no matterwhere they are in the world. “Parents can log inwith a secure password and view artwork, curriculum, and development forms,” saysSmith. It is a great way for deployed parents tocommunicate and stay closely involved withtheir child’s care and education.

In addition to new SAS centers, thenew Gardner Hills Child Development Center(CDC) was built and has opened. This center,located near the new housing area by Gate 10,is strategically located next to one of the newSAS centers as well as a brand new elementaryschool; a great bonus for parents picking upmultiple children. The new CDC representsmuch needed space for Fort Campbell parents.As anyone with a child on the waiting list will tell

New Changes and Centers on Fort CampbellBy Melissa Wells

www.fortcampbellmwr.com 16

you, there is a desperate need for more availability of care. This new facility will add anadditional 232 spaces for children up to agefive; however, it will take time for all of thesespaces to be made available. Even though thenew center has opened, renovations are takingplace at two other CDCs and those children willbe transferred out to the new facility during therenovation period. Currently, Center 2 is closedand it is estimated that the renovations will takesix months. The renovations will be mainly internal with a major reworking of the heatingand air conditioning systems. After Center 2 reopens, Center 1 will then close for renovation,following the same procedure.

If you are looking for care in a morehomelike setting, Family Child Care (FCC) is another option for patrons seeking quality childcare. This is a home-based child care programthat is associated with CYSS. Fort Campbell has

seven providers that are accred-ited with the National Associationof Family Child Care Providers. Itis also an excellent opportunityfor Military Spouses to run ahome-based business while contributing to the Fort Campbellcommunity. Read more aboutFCC care on page 18.

Renovations are alsotaking place at SKIESUnlimited.“This renovation will allow the addition of more classrooms and fix the heating and air condi-tioning,” says Paige Commander, Director of SKIES. “We will alsobe raising the ceiling in the gymnastics room which will hopefully allow us to add somenew classes.” Don’t worry

parents; your child does not haveto miss out on any of the greatSKIES classes during this renovation. Classes will be held atTaylor Youth Center (TYC) until therenovation is complete. In additionto the full slate of wonderful activities, children can also look forward to some new offeringsfrom SKIESUnlimited. Some of thenew classes include Russian language, boys-only gymnasticswhich includes tumbling and trampoline, tennis – taught atAustin Peay State University by thecollege coach, and how to be amodel (ages 10 and older). Another great activity is open gym,Mondays at 11 a.m. “It is great for

parents and children,” says Commander. Ms.Commander also pointed out that the deployment discounts for SKIESUnlimitedcontinue for 90 days post deployment. Moreinformation about these discounts is availableatwww.fortcampbellmwr.com or by calling Parent Central Services at (270) 798-0674. Formore information about SKIESUnlimited, pleasecall (270) 412-5455.

Teens and youth have experienced anupgrade as Taylor Youth Center (TYC) has beencompletely redone with all new furnishings. TheTeen Club has also moved into this facility.Teens can look forward to game rooms, a computer lab, a gym, and activities such as billiards, pool, video games, and table games.This group also hosts many activities, camps,and excursions throughout the year.

Youth ages 11 – 18 who are registeredwith CYSS can participate in the EDGE! (Experience, Develop, Grow, and Excel) program. This innovative series offers newlearning activities each month. Best of all, it isfree! Classes have been offered in paintball,bowling, skateboard construction, weight lifting, cooking, guitar, challenge course, andmore. New activities/classes are offered everymonth. For more information, call (270) 798-3643, orvisit www.fortcampbellmwr.com.

New programs, services, and facilitiesare constantly being updated as Child, Youthand School Services continues to provide outstanding care to the children of Fort Campbell. Way to grow CYSS!

Clarksville’s award winning Rivers &Spires festival is right around the corner. Starting April 14, this free, three day festivalbrings people from across thecountry together to down-town Clarksville to enjoyspectacular entertainment,unique arts and crafts, shopping, fun and games forchildren, and tons of food!

The first Rivers &Spires festival started as atribute to celebrate the returnof Soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division. Eightblocks of Historic Clarksville will be jam-packedwith all sorts of Family-fun activities and areas tovisit like the Children’s Parade, Quilts of theCumberland, the River Queen Pageant, an international area, and an environment

awareness-Green Zone, just toname a few.

The heart and soul of Rivers & Spires has to be themusic. With five differentstages, and genres from country, to rock, to interna-tional, there is guaranteed to bea band that you will enjoy. Thefeatured headliner of this year’sfestival is CMA and Grammyaward winner, Clint Black. Hewill take the main stage Saturday, April 16, 9 p.m. Don’t miss Fort Campbell’s own Rendezvous Groove on the Third and Main

stage Friday, April 15, 7p.m.All concerts during the festival are FREE!

If you have children,check out the Kidz Zone!Two different areas are designated just for children.Filled with inflatables, carnival games, and other interactive entertainment,this is a perfect place to keep

children happy and entertained. Older childrenwill enjoy the Teen Zone where young adults cangather to play games and watch talent shows.These two zones will be open on Friday, April 15from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday April 16

from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. MascotMania will also be located in the KidzZone! This event allows children tomeet and interact with their favoritemascots including our own Buddyand P’Nut! Join them for singing,games, and more!

For more information on the2011 Rivers & Spires Festival, visit theofficial website atwww.riversandspires.com. Join thenew Text Club by texting SPIRES to

Rivers and Spires (68255) to stay informed on allnew updates and announcements about the festival. With all that this festival has to offer, youand your Family will have a blast! Come join usto celebrate the fun, excitement, and traditionof Rivers & Spires.

www.fortcampbellmwr.com 18

As a parent, one of the most important decisions that we can make is finding quality childcare. It was especially difficult for me when the time came to findcare for my daughter. As a military Spouseand an MWR employee, my first choice wasan on-post Child Development Center; however, due to the extensive waitlist, thatwasn’t an option. I also searched off-postcenters, but never really found a place whereI felt completely comfortable. That is when I began to try to find out more informationabout Family Child Care (FCC) and found awonderful place for Olivia.

Family Child Care is a home-basedalternative to child care centers run throughChild, Youth and School Services (CYSS).Tammy Lewis, FCC Program Manager states“It [Family Child Care] gives patrons an opportunity to place their child in a Family-like setting similar to a home environment. They [parents] also have theconsistency of one caregiver with their childall day long, allowing parents to communicate

more closely about their child’sgrowth and development.”Kandis Sullivan, FCC providerstates that FCC homes “offer a homey atmosphere and one-on-one care, especially forthe young ones…when theyjust need a hug. Some kidsdon’t adjust well to big environments and need a littleextra time.”

There are great opportunities forthose who wish to work from home as a Fam-ily Child Care provider. Free training is pro-vided to those interested in the program aswell as a chance to further their educationand earn Child Development Associate Credentials. In addition to the educationalopportunities and the chance to work withchildren, the FCC program sets them up witheverything that they need. “We have a lending library with resources to assist themin running a quality program so that they arenot out the cost of starting their own busi-

ness,” says Lewis. More information aboutbecoming a provider is readily available at a monthly “On the Road to Becoming an FCC Provider” briefing as well as online at www.ArmyFCC.com. For more informationcall (270) 798-4959

When asked her favorite part aboutbeing a childcare provider, Mrs. Sullivanstates, “The kids…when you bring a smile totheir face or help them learn something new.”What a great feeling for caregivers, parents, and children. Consider FCC for your childcare needs.

Family Child CareThere’s No Place Like Home

By Amanda Hoover

By Melissa Wells

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As adults, each of us might hold snippets of memory from our youngest years indaycare or preschool. Some of the people whowork with our children in CYSS grew up withinthe programs themselves. In some cases, theyeven work side-by-side with people who haveknown them since childhood.

Today, children learn while they play.This style of learning and teaching is called “creative curriculum.” Each classroom featuresdifferent play areas, with a caregiver to guideand supervise. Classrooms may have a dramaticplay area, a housekeeping area, a block playarea, art area, water play area, and room to beactive and run about.

Mary Means is a Child and Youth Services Program Assistant (CYPA) with infantsand toddlers at CDC 2. She was 8 -10 years oldwhen she participated in the CDC and YouthCenter in the mid - 1970s. Her Family was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC, and then later ata small Baltimore, MD depot base.

Of her childhood in CYSS, Mary said,“they didn’t have all the dramatic play areas, orthe creative curriculum. I like the creative curriculum that we use now. It gives kids achance to make their own choices as to what

they want to do.” “I like working with children,” Mary

continued. “I used to work with kids as an MA (Medical Assistant) on the pediatrics floor ofa hospital for 14 years. When we moved here, I decided to switch to daycare. The kids keepyou active. I play with them, interact with them,keep them busy and take care of them. I makesure they stay safe.”

Jerri Chester works with infants andpre-toddlers at Bastogne Child DevelopmentCenter. She grew up at Fort Campbell. Her children participate in CYSS, and her mother isCYSS’s Outreach Services Director.

“I’ve been in the military all my life, asa child, teenager and adult,” Jerri shared. “I volunteered in the program when I was oldenough and I worked with the Teen Club withMiss Margaret and Miss Pearl. They are stillthere at the Teen Club! They are the reason whyI’m in CYSS. I saw the impact they had on meand the community.”

Jerri liked how CYSS employees couldrelate to her. “They understand what militaryFamilies are going through because they areSpouses themselves. Even when my parent was

deployed, there was an outlet geared towardsthe things I needed as a child. They understoodwhat I was going through.”

Rebecca Adams works at CDC 2 as aCYPA in the preschool room. She enjoys tryingto help children understand things outside ofthemselves and makes learning fun for them.

Rebecca remembers being in preschool and attending CYSS programs. “Ithought it was the coolest thing in the world. Itwas a good experience. That was my first experience with being in a school, and I was excited to be there. I remember stories from mymom. I had a certain routine that I followed

at the center and at home. I remember a lot of the women whowere there from the time I was 6 weeks old until I was in 1st grade.”

Roslynn Wortham Poindexterfrom CDC 2 has been at Fort Campbell since 1995. She’s a CYPAwith pre-toddlers and toddlers.

“We have a lot of fun all day.We work on gross motor skills. I read a lot of books to them, sing alot of songs. We help them to develop into little people,” Roslynn shared.

From 8th through 12thgrade, Roslynn worked as a volunteer with Margaret Lilly, whobecame her friend and mentor.Miss Margaret was a positive influence in Rosslyn’s decision towork with CYSS.

Roslynn recalled, “As a childin CYSS, I was in the Eagles programat Taylor Youth Center in the 6thgrade. It’s funny because some of the people that I work with

now, worked at the center with me as a child.It’s crazy, and they’ll be like ‘Oh, you’re so grown up!’”

Each of these women shares their enthusiasm and love of helping our childrenlearn and grow. Their passion for childcare is abeautiful thing, and we are lucky to have theircontinued service to our Fort Campbell Families.

By Katherine Kolodzie

All in the FamilyChild, Youth and School Services (CYSS) Employees

Reflect upon Growing up within the Program

From left to right: Roslynn Wortham, Jerri Chester, Rebecca Adams, and Mary Mean

www.fortcampbellmwr.com 21

At Fort Campbell, the Army CommunityService (ACS) Exceptional Family Member Program(EFMP) celebrates Autism Awareness Month inApril. The staff hosts a variety of annual events inrecognition of Autism Spectrum Disorder to include an art display, informational tables, a cakecutting, and the “Walk for Autism.”

Students in grades K-12 on the AutismSpectrum can submit their art work to EFMP whichwill be continuously displayed throughout themonth of April at the Robert F. Sink, MontgomeryCounty, and Christian County libraries. Artwork willalso be displayed at the annual National DisabilityAwareness Month Exhibit andLuncheon in October.

To bring additionalawareness to the Fort Camp-bell community, a cake cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 4 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at thePost Exchange (PX). EFMPstaff will be available to answer questions and provide

a variety of information in reference to AutismSpectrum Disorders. In addition to the other activities, EFMP is also conducting a "Walk forAutism” on April 23 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon atFryar Stadium. Last year there were over 400 participants! Finally, there will be a Family cele-bration on April 30.

EFMP also conducts monthly supportgroup meetings throughout the year. These topics periodically address Autism Spectrum Disorder issues. A distribution list is used to keepFamilies informed of the monthly support group

schedule and upcomingtopics. Parents are alsoencouraged to contactthe ACS Exceptional Family Member Programoffice to let them know ofany topics they would like to see addressed at monthly support group meetings.

The staff at EFMPstrives to raise awarenessabout mandatory enroll-

ment for Soldiers that have Exceptional FamilyMembers. Enrollment ensures that the needs ofthe Family member are taken into considerationduring the reassignment process. Soldiers must update their enrollment every three years. TheEFMP team looks forward to serving Soldiers andFamily members with special needs and hopes tomake their experience at Fort Campbell bothpleasant and rewarding. For more informationabout EFMP or any of the Autism AwarenessMonth events, please visit www.fortcampbellmwr.com/acs/efmp/index.htmlor call (270) 798-2727.

School Age Services (SAS) is proudto announce the construction of three brandnew buildings! Until now, the children in SAShave only known gyms and cafeterias set upwith folding tables and chairs. They haven'thad their own walls on which to hang artwork.What they are looking forward to is their ownplace, a place for themselves and their friends. People might drive by these new buildings andjust see another new construction project, butthe children who go to SAS and the staff whowork for Child, Youth and School Services(CYSS) SAS see something totally different; aplace of their own.

When asked how it makes them feel, the childrenhad this to say.

“I think it’s great. Right now we don't have a lot towork with. In our building, we will have our owngym, a big art room - just big rooms! I love SAS alot. When my dad is gone, it gives me a place to goso I can make friends and be with my friends.” ~ Katarina Rosas, 10 years old, Marshall SAS

“We will have more rooms to go into, more things“~JR and Brandon Armstrong, Colwell SAS

“We will have a bigger place to go…with computerlabs and gyms.” ~Cade Andrasco and Jalen Pinkney, Colwell SAS

For over 10 years, the SAS staff has diligently and without complaint set up in gyms andcafeterias and have provided accredited, safe, and

exciting out of school programs for children. This summer, though the qualityof care remains, the space will change.“We will have a sense of ownership, aplace to call our own. We have always hada borrowed space. This will be our space,”says Greta Schwerma, SAS staff. DonnaDavis has worked in SAS for over 10 years.Her thought is, “Progress, we’ve alwayswanted it and needed it. The kids needit. We won't have to worry about beingput out, being in someone else's space.It's our own, the children deserve it, andwe deserve it.”The next chapter for SAS starts very soon.

The sod is down, the fences are going up, and thekeys will be handed over. Chris Campbell, SAS Director says, “To me, it represents five years ofhard work. The vision we had is coming alive. I think of the sacrifice the staff and children havemade…this is OURS. No one deserves it more thanthe children and staff who call Fort Campbell SAShome.”

By Sunny Smith

By Felicia Jefferson & Keri McPeakAutism Awareness Month

A Place of Their Own

Activities and Events to Raise Awareness

School Age Services Opens Three New Centers