MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY SERVICES

Life in the military is challenging in many ways, especially when it comes adjusting to new geographical locations. Servicemembers and their families come from a myriad of places around the country and around the globe.

What does this mean when you move to MCAS Cherry Point? It means you must adjust to a completely new environment, everything from the local climate, to the new small town flavor of the local community, to the local cuisine and hundreds of differences from what you were used to in other installations.

Sometimes the difficulty of the adjustments is compounded by separation from parents, siblings or other family support. Sometimes it’s just the task of making new friends in a strange new world.

Veterans of these relocations will tell you that there are “up” sides to these moves that are often overlooked by younger, new military families. Most of these up sides can be summed up in one word – opportunity – because they have learned that every military move is full of new opportunities.

This is where Marine Corps Community Services comes in. Just as our name suggests, we are here to serve the entire Marine Corps and Naval community aboard the installation. This includes both active duty and retired military personnel and their families. Plus, many of our services are also available to federally employed civilians as well.

We serve as the complete source of programs, events and services designed to make life more enjoyable while serving your country. It is our mission to “Enrich the lives of our military community by providing consistent, high quality programs, services and facilities that promote healthy lifestyles and improve morale, readiness and retention.” The Marine Corps has long been known as a dedicated and disciplined force in readiness; and MCCS helps our Marines and sailors to continue in this tradition by supporting families, offering quality off duty entertainment and providing health and fitness opportunities.

Let’s take a closer look at what your MCCS has to offer you and your family:

SEMPER FIT DEPARTMENT

Marine Corps Community Services is proud of its many programs offered by the Semper Fit Department. This department includes all of our health and fitness programs for adults and youths, gyms, aquatics, community recreation and the Semper Fit Center.

The Athletics Division coordinates a variety of sports including basketball, softball, baseball, rugby and volleyball. Many of Cherry Point’s teams travel to competitions and have earned first place titles in various competitive sporting events. You and your family have a comprehensive collection of exceptional athletic fields to choose from to include: rugby, football, volleyball and baseball complete with lights, bleachers and restrooms. Any of our military members can use our fields, courts and other facilities.

The massive Marine Dome is capable of hosting three basketball games simultaneously or you can play volleyball, racquetball or use the boxing bags. The men’s locker room has a steam room and sauna, plus the women’s locker room also has a sauna.

The Single Marine Program, also an integral part of the Semper Fit Department, is a very active program aimed at giving our Single Marines and sailors a variety of ways to spend their free time. From football and ice skating trips, to pool and chess tournaments, you never know what’s coming up. This program is housed in the Roadhouse.

The Roadhouse is a unique, multifaceted center where our patrons can eat a delicious meal, enjoy a cold one in the Roadhouse bar or enjoy one of our many forms of entertainment including video games, big screen televisions, internet computers, billiards and more. Though an all ranks facility, the Roadhouse is targeted for the enjoyment of our enlisted Marines and sailors who are E-5 and below. There are DJs on the weekends and outrageous holiday parties throughout the year. The Roadhouse is also conveniently located to Marines living in the barracks.

The Cherry Point Community Center/Teen Center, located on Stanley Road, has wonderful programs for teens and adults. Stickey Stargazers, Mommy & Me, and other fun programs and events give our families a variety of ways to spend quality time together. The center also has two classrooms, a game room, a kitchen, and a multipurpose room for party and meeting rentals. From cooking classes to youth dance classes,
there is something for everyone at the Community/Teen Center.

The Aquatics Division is the home to three swimming pools, (one indoor pool and two outdoor pools) and provides a well-rounded, safe aquatic program for all authorized patrons by offering swimming lessons, safety courses, lifeguarding courses, water aerobics, fitness swimming and recreational swimming. The indoor Combat Pool is open year round and located off of “F” street. The two outdoor pools: Cedar Creek Pool (located on Stanley Road in Nugent Cove Housing area) and Hancock Pool (located on Roosevelt Boulevard near Fire Station #2) are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rent one of the outdoor pools for your next party! An hourly fee is charged based on the number of people attending; reservations must be made.

FITNESS

The Devil Dog Gym, located mainside, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and services to include treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical cross trainers, stair machines, as well as selectorized machines and a large free weight area. Personal trainers are available
on-site or for individual appointments for all patrons.

The Hancock Fitness Center, located close to officer housing and group 28 headquarters, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and services to include treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes, elliptical cross trainers, stair machines, as well as selectorized machines and a free weight area.

The Fitness Connection, located in the Nugent Cove housing area, hosts our group exercise classes. Classes include cardio challenge, step aerobics, kickboxing, circuit training, toning, spinning, PTP remedial classes and unit physical training classes.

Special Events, located in the Marine Dome, hosts our various road race series, such as the duathlon, half marathon, Warrior’s Cup and the Sprint Triathlon plus team competitive events, such as all-terrain unit competitions.

The Personal Training program is located inside the Marine Dome. Our nationally certified trainers will assess your fitness level with our computerized Micro-Fit System. Assessments consist of blood pressure, resting heart rate, strength, flexibility and aerobic fitness. Our trainers will design a personalized workout for you and monitor your progress. Programs are designed for general population as well as special population (i.e., pre/post natal, athletes, seniors, etc.). Workouts are designed based on the five components of physical fitness (muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness) combined with information acquired from your Micro-Fit results.

HEALTH PROMOTION

Semper Fit Center – Headquarters for the Semper Fit Health Promotion program. The large classroom hosts up to 100 people for educational, interactive small or large group meetings or classes. A large array of resources and materials pertaining to health promotion services can be found here. Requests can be taken from groups or individuals for materials to health promotional services can be found here. Requests can also be taken from groups or individuals for materials, or class instruction in the areas of tobacco cessation, nutrition education, STD/HIV transmission prevention, physical fitness, hypertension education, injury prevention, suicide awareness, stress management, alcohol and substance abuse prevention, and other health related topics. The Semper Fit Center is your one-stop-shop for all your health promotion needs.

Other Services Offered – Unit Outreach Program, health fairs for large groups, health assessments (blood pressure screening, body fat analysis, glucose screenings, cholesterol screening, fitness assessments), nutritional counseling, lectures and interactive workshops.

MARINE AND FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MCCS Marine and Family Services Department supports the commander’s efforts to promote personal, family and unit readiness. The Marine and Family Services Department is located in building 232 at the corner of 4th avenue and E street. It is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 466-4401.

The professional and qualified staff of Marine and Family Services provides a myriad of services and programs that focus on education, prevention, intervention and mobility and improving the quality of life of Marines, sailors and their families. M&FS personnel can answer questions about activities on and off the air station. Extensive reference materials available include listings of military and civilian support agencies plus services such as schools, recreation programs and childcare.

-Marine and Family Services can also provide the resources available to cope with marital conflicts, parent-child relationships and other problems. Counseling and group seminars are available on a walk-in basis or by appointment. The many services provided include:

Child Development Center/Youth Activities Division: MCCS provides wonderful childcare and youth programs for your family. The Child Development Centers, buildings 4298 and 4629, are located on Woodside Drive and E Street. The Child Development Centers offer full-time, part-time and hourly child care services at affordable rates. Business hours of operation are 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our Family Child Care Program may be an option for those seeking childcare in a home environment. This program also offers a great home business opportunity for those parents who would like to work from home. The Family Child Care director’s office is located within the Child Development Center, building 4298. The Cherry Tree House, located on 4th Avenue, offers a variety of activities and programs for school-age and youths. The variety ranges from the following: after school, summer, intercession and day camps; dances; B&GCA events; sleepovers; special dances; family events – Spring Eggstravaganza; sporting events; etc. Also housed within the Cherry Tree House is the Resource and Referral Department, which serves as the one-stop-shop for all child and youth services. All Children and Youth Program interest should begin by contacting the R&R Department at 252-466-3595/5079. This department provides child care and youth services referrals to families with children age 6 weeks to 17 years old. Information is available for both on and off-base centers, family care homes and other family opportunities.

Personal Readiness and Community Support Division

Career Resource Management Center: Includes the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and the Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP). TAMP provides mandatory programs for separating service members up to one year from EAS; the Pre-Separation Brief and Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is held on a monthly basis and is scheduled by the unit transition counselors. Pre-Retirement is offered on a quarterly basis for those within two years of retirement. FMEAP will assist with local job search, volunteer opportunities, and resume critiques. Additional classes are offered to assist with topics such as job searching, resume writing and interviewing. A Veterans Administration benefits advisor is available by appointment to assist with transitioning military disability claims. For more information on any of these resources, please call us at 466-4401.

Relocation Assistance Program: Offers a lending locker with hospitality items such as futons, kitchen supplies, irons, ironing boards, cribs, high chairs, strollers, car seats, tables, folding chairs, coffee makers, toasters and more. These items are available for check-out to families who are PCSing into and out of Cherry Point and are without household items for a short period of time. Items can be checked out for 30 days. Automated information is available in the Relocation Office on all major DOD installations throughout the world. Sponsorship information, Plan Your Move Class, Welcome Aboard Brief, Okinawa/Iwakuni Class and Home Buying & Selling Seminar are all offered through the RAP.

Personal Financial Management Program: Provides personal financial education, training, information and referral and personal financial counseling services. These services are FREE of charge to all base military personnel, their family members, and retirees. This program will help individuals and families develop management skills and improve financial control of their finances. Individual counseling includes completing an individual or family budget (Spending Plan) and setting financial goals. Some classes offered: Car Buying, Credit and Debt Management, Getting out of Debt, and Savings and Investing. PFMP has a certified financial counselor ready to assist members and families with their personal financial concerns. Please call (252) 466-4401 to make an appointment. Operating hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities: Several volunteer organizations aboard the installation provide services and assistance to Marines, sailors and their family members. Volunteering is an excellent way to hone and refresh skills needed to enter the workforce. For additional information on volunteer opportunities, call 466-4401.

Retired Activities Office: Is operated and staffed by volunteer retirees. The RAO director serves as the liaison between the retiree, the installation staff and other military agencies. They assist retirees on such matters as local regulations, policies and retiree entitlement, benefits and privileges, burial assistance, and Survivor Benefit paperwork. Located in building 298, RAPIDS lobby area, 466-5548, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

New Parent Support Program: A professional team of licensed social workers and registered nurses who provide education and support to military families. These home visitors have extensive knowledge of the issues encountered by today’s parents and are sensitive to the unique challenges facing military families. The New Parent Support Program helps families cope with stress, isolation, deployment, reunions and meeting the everyday demands of parenthood through home visits support groups and classes. This program also offers expectant parents and the parents of newborns the opportunity to learn new skills and improve on old ones. The New Parent Support Program is a reliable source for answers to questions in the privacy of ones’ home or in the classroom. To contact the Program, or to sign up for classes or home visits,
please call 252-466-3651.

Exceptional Family Member Program: A team of coordinators and counselors is available to assist the sponsor or family member with the mandatory enrollment process for persons with special needs. This includes any family member who has a physical, mental or learning disability. This program provides information, referral and coordination for a vast array of military, national and state resources, case management and counseling.

The Prevention & Intervention Department: Offers individual, family and marital and group counseling. The Family Advocacy Program, which falls under the Prevention and Intervention program, offers assistance to families experiencing domestic violence. The classes and programs listed below are offered through the Personal Services Department at no cost to service members and their families. Programs and classes are offered on both voluntary and mandatory basis. Please call 466-3264 for further information or to register for classes.

Individual/Marital/Family Counseling: Licensed clinical social workers provide counseling services FREE of charge.

Anger Management: Meets 8 weeks for one and a half hours per week. The focus of the program is to identify skills used to control anger utilizing a variety of techniques.

Sexual Assault Awareness: This class examines some of the common myths surrounding sexual assault. Provides in-depth information on statistics, the role of alcohol and assault situations that occur in the military. Issues surrounding consent are explored. In addition, safety tips to prevent sexual assault for both males and females are provided.

Child Abuse: This class provides the Marine Corps definitions of child abuse and neglect. Information on discipline and on policies specific to Cherry Point is provided. Examples of inappropriate discipline are given. Identification and reporting of abuse is explained. Resources for further information and assistance are provided.

Spouse Abuse: This class examines physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse in relationships. Power and control in relationships is discussed. Indicators of abusive relationships are presented. Resources for further information & assistance are provided.

Stress Management: This class examines the causes and impact of stress. Emphasis is placed on the serious health problems that come with chronic stress. The class provides specific examples of how to manage stress in a healthier manner, and to eliminate negative coping techniques.

Effects of Domestic Violence: This seminar examines the long and short-term effects of domestic violence on children.
Men’s Early Intervention Program: An 8-week program for men who have been violent, but the severity of the violent behavior was low level and the pattern of abuse is short term. The program focuses on alternative ways to resolve conflicts without using violence and looking at alternatives to violent behavior.

Domestic Violence Men’s Program: A 16-session program provided in two phases. Participants are perpetrators of some form of spousal abuse. The goal is to eliminate violent behavior by confronting the belief system and actions of the individual and to teach them nonviolent ways to express anger. After successful completion of Phase I requirements, which takes a minimum of four weeks, participants are moved into Phase II. Failure to complete Phase I results in termination from the program and a treatment failure. Based on recommendation from the FAP staff, some participants may be required to repeat Phase I before transitioning to Phase II. Participants may be terminated at any time throughout either Phase due to failure to participate, disruptive/belligerent behavior or for unexcused absences.

Women's Awareness Group: An 8-week or 16-week program for women who have been violent toward their husbands. The group focuses on making choices that are nonviolent, and managing anger.

Improving Self-Awareness Group: A weekly support group for those survivors experiencing domestic abuse within their relationship. The abuse may be physical, mental, or emotional. The agenda covers the topics of self-esteem, stress, anger management, children’s issues, battering, etc., as well as assertiveness training. Meeting location and information shared by participants is confidential.

Adults Molested as Children: A peer support group for adults molested as children. For both men and women.

The Substance Abuse Counseling Center: Provides out-patient treatment and also referrals to inpatient care. Treatment is primarily offered to active duty personnel, and similar services are provided to retired military, and family members of military personnel (18 years and older), on a space available basis. For family members, treatment is usually arranged by the individual’s primary health care provider.

The Drug Demand Reduction Program: Primary responsibility is to support the Marine Corps illegal drug use prevention activities. The Drug Demand Reduction Team is responsible for the ongoing assessments of tenant command’s illegal drug use prevention needs to include professional military education. In addition, the Drug Demand Reduction Team is available to support our local community in the battle against illicit drug use.

LifeLong Learning Voluntary Education: The Education Office is located in room 104 of the Jerry Marvel Training and Education Facility, building 4335. The Education Office administers the command’s Off-Duty Education Program utilizing tuition assistance offering education programs ranging from high school completion/GED to a master’s degree. Counseling is provided for educational pursuits and the Education Office offers complete testing services to include DANTES, Marine Corps Classification and Proctor Testing services. Programs are also available for Apprenticeship completion, Military Academic Skills, Distance Learning/Internet classes, Deployed Education, SOCMAR Agreements, SMART Transcripts and Veterans Education Services. Call 466-3500/4348 for more information.

The Station Library: Located on the ground floor of building 298 on E Street, is a full-service library offering programs and resources to support the professional, educational, personal and recreational interests of the Cherry Point community. The library collection contains over 60,000 volumes for readers of all ages, plus magazines, newspapers, DVDs, audiobooks, music, CD-ROMs and more. The online catalog and a variety of research databases are available from the library Web site at http://library.usmc-mccs.org. Computer resources include a 24-workstation computer lab and wireless Internet access. The Station Library offers a variety of special programs: weekly story times, monthly Teen/Tweenie programs, an annual Summer Reading Program, plus a variety of other special events. Research assistance and interlibrary loans are available. Call 252-466-3552 for more information.

FOOD & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The Food and Business department is responsible for food/beverage operations, plus many of the third-party business operations aboard the air station, to include The Pit, New City Deli, Roadhouse bar, Roadhouse Pizzeria and catering, Wings Grill, 11th Frame, multiple snack bars, catering and vending. Third-party contractors include McDonald’s, Andy’s, Subway and Dunkin Donuts.

One of the gems of the air station is the huge auditorium/movie theater. The theater has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation and remodeling and seats just fewer than 2,000 people, making it the largest single-screen movie theater in the state. The new, larger screen allows movies to be seen as they were meant to be seen, and when combined with the new Dolby digital sound system, the illusion is complete. Other businesses include Information, Tickets and Travel (a travel agency), RV park, car wash, dry cleaners, beauty salon, barber shop, amusements, movie rentals, auto rental, a masseuse and a flower shop.

“The Pit” is less than a year old and is an elegant blend of military bar with an English countryside mansion. Comfortable setting, reasonable prices and now that there are no dues, this SNCO/Officers club is the place to go … except maybe for the Roadhouse Bar. Opened just over a year ago, the Roadhouse Bar has become a very popular place with the younger crowd and its popularity will increase after the remodeling.

RETAIL DIVISION

The Retail Division operates a 62,000-square-foot department store, two convenience stores, a service station, the Safety Store, a Military Clothing store and a package store. The Main Marine Corps Exchange provides a variety of merchandise and now includes the Military Clothing (Cash Sales) operation. The Package Store is also located in the Marine Corps MCX Complex along with Subway, GNC, Hammonds Plaque Shop, and one of our air station barber shops. The Concessionaire Complex houses the Marine Corps Exchange Furniture and Appliance Department, a video rental store, Information, Tickets and Travel, massage therapist, beauty shop, florist and car rental operation. Profits generated by the Retail Department, along with food and service activities, are used to fund our many recreation activities and facilities.

RECREATIONAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS

You and your family members will certainly enjoy the various aspects of recreational business operations consisting of: Outdoor Connection/Equipment Rental, Pelican Point Marina, Stars & Strikes Bowling Center, Sound of Freedom Golf Course, our state-of-the art
Auto Skills Center and the newly outfitted Auto Care Center.

Outdoor Connection is your one-stop solution for renting a variety of items including camping gear, party canopies, lawn mowers, folding tables and chairs, inflatable bouncers, tools and much, much more. Outdoor Connection can also fill your propane tanks cheaper than anywhere else.

Pelican Point Marina takes advantage of one of Cherry Point’s best features – its location. Tucker, Anderson and Slocum Creeks offer many recreational opportunities. However, many military families can’t afford to own a boat or other recreational watercraft. MCCS has made it possible for our patrons to rent canoes, kayaks and power boats at Pelican Point Marina. If you own a boat, the marinas also have boat slips available
at Pelican Point, Slocum and Hancock marinas. Hancock and Slocum (party) Lodges and all nine picnic areas can be reserved through Pelican Point Marina.

Our Stars & Strikes Bowling Center has 24 lanes with computerized scoring systems, and extreme bowling with state-of-the art lighting and sound system. Join one of our many leagues or just bring in your friends and family for a wholesome night on the town. The bowling center also boasts a full-service pro shop, an arcade and the 11th Frame Grill.

Hit the links at the “Sound of Freedom” Golf Course. Newly renovated in 2003, our 18-hole PGA-rated course is one of the best in eastern North Carolina and features character and undulation the likes of which are unseen in our area. A PGA professional is on hand for both beginner and veteran lessons, not to mention a large driving range (open 24 hours), practice putting green and full-service Pro Shop and Grill. You can rent sets of clubs and pull or drive golf carts to make your day complete. Be sure to ask about membership rates and punch cards, or sign up for one of our many tournaments.

The Auto Skills Center is a new state-of-the-art, 10-bay automotive center where you do it yourself. Change your oil, balance/rotate your tires, replace your brakes or rebuild your engine. An ASE certified mechanic is available at all times, and a certified welder is available if needed.

Auto Care Center is your centrally located full-service center for a variety of auto repairs and tire sales. A brand new 2008 Hunter Alignment machine is now available to align the front and rear wheels of any make of automobile. Two ASE certified mechanics and two oil change and tire change specialists are available at all times, to keep your vehicle in top operating condition. Stop in for your vehicle N.C. state safety inspection.

MARINE CORPS FAMILY TEAM BUILDING

MCFTB provides educational resources and services to foster personal growth and enhance the readiness of Marine Corps families. MCFTB is comprised of Family Readiness Program, Readiness and Deployment Support Program, LifeSkills, L.I.N.K.S., PREP and CREDO.

Family Readiness Program

A Marine’s family is defined as the one “Born Into,” “Sworn Into” and “Married Into.”

The Family Readiness Program trainer offers training for Family Readiness command teams, Family Readiness officers and Family Readiness volunteers. The trainer may assist commands along with their group FROs in developing their Family Readiness Programs. 252-466-5779.

Readiness and Deployment Support Program

MCFTB works with unit command teams to provide pre-deployment briefs for their Marines, sailors and family members. We offer Return and Reunion Workshops for spouses and children of returning service members. Parenting for Deployment is an excellent course for those preparing for or in the middle of a deployment. Parents receive tips and tools to help their children with separation anxiety, staying connected with their deployed parent and positive ways to express their feelings. Additional offerings include: Kids/Teens and Deployment and Single Marine/Sailor Pre-Deployment Briefs and, Communicating for Deployment (Couples). 252-466-8098/4908

Lifestyle, Insights, Networking,
Knowledge and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.)

L.I.N.K.S. for Marine Corps and Navy spouses is a 10-hour course offering an orientation to the military lifestyle through spouse-to-spouse mentorship and small-group discussion. Experienced Marine Corps spouses in the L.I.N.K.S. program, called mentors, are dedicated to welcoming other spouses into the community and helping them cope with life challenges in the Corps. Spouses learn about Marine Corps tradition, how to survive deployment and frequent moves, the military pay system, thriving at their new duty station and a variety of other topics that will make your journey through Marine Corps living much smoother.

New to the L.I.N.K.S. lineup - L.I.N.K.S. for Children/Teens, L.I.N.K.S. for Marines and L.I.N.K.S. for Parents.

Our classes are such a success due to our wonderful mentors. We are always looking for spouses that share our pride and love for the Marine Corps to join our team! Call to find out when the next mentor training is scheduled. 466-5588.

LifeSkills

LifeSkills is a new addition to Marine Corps Family Team Building. The LifeSkills Trainer provides education and resources Marine Corps families assisting them in thriving in the Marine Corps lifestyle.

Some of the courses include:

4 Weeks 4 You: A series of classes designed to help spouses to improve and take charge of their lives. Topics include personal safety and health and fitness.

Strengthening Your Love Connection: An interactive workshop designed to help married couples gain an understanding of their own personality style as well as the personality style of their spouse. By learning about each other’s personality styles, participants will improve their relationships by enhancing their communication.

Teen Connection - Connecting teens and their parents: An interactive workshop that allows teens and their parents to have better understanding of their relationship. Participants will discover their personality types and how to better interact with one another.

Conflict Management: A workshop created to help participants learn more effective ways to resolve conflicts they experience in their daily lives.

Spouses’ Learning Series - Leadership Skills Workshop: This four-hour, interactive, educational workshop provides participants the opportunity to improve interpersonal skills, become a more effective communicator and facilitate better team building. Participants take a self-scored personality assessment and learn how their personality type relates and can interact more effectively with others. This workshop is offered quarterly.

Spouses’ Learning Series Motivational Workshop: A one day workshop is offered annually at each Marine Corps installation. This inspirational workshop is designed to provide spouses with the opportunity to gain a working knowledge of personal communication styles and personality types, and to use the new understanding of self to improve communication and relationships with their spouse, family, friends, and co-workers. Marine spouses are encouraged to define their life-challenges and the needed support systems to help restore balance to their military family during a time
of war.

Spouses' Learning Series - Online Educational Skills Building: The online Business Management and Leadership Skills training is professional, self-paced and targeted to meet the needs of military spouses. SLS Online is designed to provide spouses with short, effective online learning opportunities to expand their base of knowledge in their personal and professional lives. Courses are available 24/7 and are free. Each of the
80-plus courses are intended to be applicable to all levels of education and volunteering regardless of whether the spouse is new or experienced, management or entry level.

Personal and Professional Development Classes cover the following topic areas: Communication Skill Builders, Leadership Development, Management Skill Builders, Personal Skills Development, and Team Building. 252-466-7368

Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program: Married couples learn strategies that will help you build and/or enhance a wonderful relationship! Come laugh and learn as we share the tremendous joy of connecting. For everyone wanting to be understood, PREP is a simple, yet effective, tool to bring insight and closeness to your relationship. Your marriage can be an oasis of acceptance and appreciation. This two-day workshop is held every other month. Free childcare is offered at the Child Development Center for this workshop. Call your unit chaplain or the Chapel, 252-466-4000, to register.

Chaplain’s Religious Enrichment Development Operations: The director of Religious Ministries for the Department of the Navy have sponsored CREDO since its inception in 1972. Navy chaplains are directors of the Navy and Marine Corps CREDOs worldwide. Two of these CREDOs, Pendleton (Twenty-nine Palms) and Camp Lejeune, are funded by the Marine Corps through Manpower and Reserve Affairs. There are nine Navy and Marine Corps retreat programs located worldwide. All programs are free to those who attend, including meals and lodging. Active duty, retired, and reserve Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel, DOD employees, as well as family members, are eligible to attend retreats. Topics include: Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Enrichment II, Personal Growth, Middle School Retreat, High School Retreat, Dads, Lads and Gals Retreat.

CREDO Camp Lejeune – (910) 450-1668.