A Sizzling Summer with MCCS SC!
5 September, 2024
Summer 2024 at MCCS SC aboard MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort was hot, exciting, and packed with activities! We wrapped up spring with a Safety Fair to promote a mishap-free work environment, hosted a lively Easter EGGstravaganza, and then jumped right into all things summer.
As summer began, we bid farewell to Brig. Gen. Walker M. Field and his family and welcomed Brig. Gen. Ahmed T. Williamson and Mrs. Williamson, along with their family, to Parris Island. The pools at Parris Island and Laurel Bay opened, ushering in the warm weather. Elizabeth, our new Aquatics Director, welcomed back many returning lifeguards, as well as some new faces. One of the most exciting additions this year was the opening of the splash pad on Parris Island, featuring a cool water tower feature. If you haven't visited yet, you're in luck! The splash pad will soon be open year-round, keeping us cool even after the pools have closed. A new fence will be constructed in the coming weeks, and the splash pad will reopen—stay tuned for that announcement and make the most of this refreshing addition!
As the school year ended, the School Age Care programs on Parris Island and Laurel Bay welcomed campers for a fun-filled summer camp. Each week featured an exciting theme, complete with field trips and weekly pool visits. The Semper Fit team also had a busy summer with the Semper Fit Challenges, which included volleyball, dodgeball, pickleball and the Poker Run. Commands competed for unit funds, bringing out their best in these fun, competitive events. Parents and kids also had the chance to bond over Start Smart Baseball, learning the game together.
This summer also saw the continuation of the Resolution Run series on Laurel Bay. Walkers and runners returned for Part 2, eager to beat their times from January and meet their 2024 goals. The final run of the series will be in December, so there’s still time to crush those goals! Additionally, the fitness center on MCAS Beaufort opened its doors 24/7 to authorized patrons with a registered CAC, making it easier for everyone to stay fit. Effective September 1, the Fitness Center on MCRD Parris Island will also be open 24/7, providing even more flexibility for our patrons.
The Single Marine Program hosted several exciting trips, including an iFly experience in Jacksonville, a shark fishing trip on Hilton Head Island, and visits to Charleston RiverDogs baseball games. They also held monthly Troop Appreciation events on both installations, summer pool parties, and more. Exciting prizes like gift cards, coolers, and even a Nintendo Switch were up for grabs at these events. Single Marines and Sailors enjoyed free lunches, ice cream, and other treats throughout the summer. "Lunch to Go" and ice cream socials were hosted where participants could enjoy a free meal or sweet treat. The SMP also continued to offer volunteer and LOA opportunities, including Spanish Moss Trail cleanup, Adopt A Highway cleanup, and participation at Family Day.
The Legends Golf Course had an eventful spring and summer, starting with the First Annual Drive, Chip, and Putt event and then launching into summer with Military Mondays, Ladies League, and junior golf camps for kids. The Legends continued its streak of excellence, providing award-winning golf for all.
July kicked off with a bang at the Tri-Command Grill Fest, where Grill Masters from both Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort competed for unit funds by cooking up delicious chicken and ribs. The competition was fierce, and everyone had a fantastic time. The day continued with the Tri-Command Freedom Festival, hosted by MCFTB, featuring rides, games, an antique car show, and much more. MCCS programs were on hand to showcase the exciting resources available to Marines, Sailors, and their families, making it a truly memorable celebration.
Our libraries on Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort were also buzzing with activity all summer. Did you know our libraries offer more than just books? With weekly crafts, story times, bingo, and monthly themed parties for children at the Laurel Bay Semper Fit Center, such as the Kids' Beach Party and the Teddy Bear Picnic, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
New Parent Support hosted an amazing military baby shower where expectant and new parents could explore resources, play games, win prizes, and more. The program also continued to offer Play Morning sessions on Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort, and Laurel Bay, as well as Baby Boot Camp classes. Meanwhile, the Information, Referral, and Relocation program had a busy summer, relaunching and hosting Welcome Aboard briefs on both Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort. These mandatory yet engaging briefs provide vital information and resources available on the installations and the surrounding Beaufort area. New personnel and their spouses attend these briefs and, at the conclusion, can visit resource tables and receive a tour of each installation.
August saw us gearing up for the new school year with our Back-to-School Jamboree at the Semper Fit Laurel Bay Center and Back-to-School Bingo at Four Winds on Parris Island. Games, resources, and school supplies were handed out to all in attendance, ensuring everyone was ready for the year ahead.
Wow, what a summer! This is just a small glimpse of everything MCCS was up to in service of our mission to take care of Marines, Sailors, and their families. But the fun doesn't stop here. As the leaves begin to fall and the days get shorter, we’re excited for all things autumn.
The Foundation Center on MCAS Beaufort will soon open, serving as the starting place for the Four Domain Campus. This campus will integrate all resources tied to Marine Corps Total Fitness—Mental, Physical, Social, and Spiritual. As part of our fall preparations, we are also gearing up for the 10k/5k Awareness Run. This event will raise awareness about critical issues such as breast cancer, suicide prevention, substance abuse, domestic abuse, disabilities, fitness—mental and physical. It's more than just a race—it's about coming together as a community to support these important causes and promote health and well-being. We encourage everyone to start training now and join us in making a difference!
We are in full swing preparing for fall festivals on both MCAS Beaufort and Parris Island, Navy and Marine Corps birthday celebrations, Operation Ball Gown, and much more. And before you know it, the Polar Express will be pulling into the station, ready to take us all on a magical ride to the holidays—stay tuned for that!
Did you attend any of these events? Did you miss out? If so, make sure to visit the MCCS SC website or, to always be in the know, download the MCCS SC Know What's Up App.
