Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort -- The Sesame Street U.S.O. experience for military families is planning a trip to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Oct. 14 and 15.
The free, interactive event will be held in the Air Station gym at 4 p.m. on the 14th and at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the 15th, and features a military child named Katie who is moving. As she transitions to a new location, she teaches children in the audience about change and the power of friendship.
“The Sesame Street characters talk about deployment related topics in an age appropriate manner,” said M. J. Boice, readiness and deployment support trainer for Marine Corps Family Team Building. “It’s one thing when a child’s parents tell them they are not alone; it’s another when some of their favorite characters show them that.”
Some of the common themes for change in the military lifestyle include change of duty station, deployments and training exercises.
“Deployment and other aspects of military life, impact children just as they do adults. Kids just ‘wear’ it differently,” said Boice. “Change and friendship are staples in the military lifestyle. No matter what, they will experience change. Events that are focused on this allow the child to see different ways to look at change, because change is not bad, it is just different.”
Around seven hundred thousand children under five have a parent in the military, according to the USO. Workshops like the Sesame Street workshop reach out to these children to help them cope with the challenges of the military lifestyles like separation and change.
“Friendships throughout their parent’s military career are necessary,” said Boice. “Whether we are 25 or two years old, we all need support at some point in this lifestyle.”
The Sesame Workshop uses several platforms like television, mobile apps and books in addition to the half-hour performance to help children engage in their communities and prepare for school.
For more information call MCCS at 228-4203.