Recharge for Resiliency offers fun, recreation

  • Published
  • By Joanne Perkins
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A new program is provided help to families facing challenges caused by deployments or loss.

The program is called Recharge for Resiliency, and it offers families opportunities to recharge, rebuild and reintegrate.

"Activities are designed to be educational as well as fun, with trips planned for local attractions, national landmarks and historical sites," said Christine Kaleikini, operations officer for the 377th Force Support Squadron. "Working with Outdoor Recreation, we came up with a variety of programs that our families will really enjoy."

She said some of the scheduled activities include trips to El Malpais and Tent Rocks National Monuments, white-water rafting down the Rio Grande gorge, stand-up paddle boarding on Cochiti Lake and a family campout.

"We wanted to keep the programs fun, affordable and interactive--many are free, and the others are at a very low cost," she said. "Bring a picnic lunch and the transportation and park entry are free."

For those who'd like to remain close to home, an overnight family campout will take place at Millennium Park, complete with a spaghetti dinner, swimming and a class on campfire cooking. 

"Tents and all the equipment that goes along with a camping trip will be supplied, so everyone will be able to attend," Kaleikini said.

In addition to recreational opportunities, an eight-week course, Building Resilient Families, will focus on the strategies of supporting each other through deployment, raising resilient children and successful reintegration.

These classes will be held at the Mountain View Club, at a cost of $6 per person, which will include dinner and childcare. Families don't need to attend all sessions and can choose just the topics that interest them.

Deployed active-duty military, Air National Guard, Reservists, Department of Defense civilians and their families are eligible, as long as the member is currently deployed or has returned since October 2014. Wounded warriors and survivors of fallen warriors are also eligible.

For questions on eligibility or to sign up for this program, contact Senior Master Sgt. Maurice Robinson at 846-0741.