Events offer fun activities, awareness for Maxwell-Gunter kids Published March 30, 2012 By Kelly Deichert Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- April is a big month for children at Maxwell Air Force Base. Agencies have joined forces to provide a variety of activities in recognition of Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Autism Awareness Month. April Jones, outreach manager for the Maxwell Family Advocacy Program, said she hopes these events will raise awareness of important issues and build strong families in the Maxwell and Gunter Annex communities. "I hope that these activities create the concept of 'CoRC,' a culture of responsible choices by being a wingman to share the responsibility of safety for families that makes fit families," she said. The youth centers, bowling centers and golf course are offering programs throughout April to celebrate Month of the Military Child. Operation Military Kids offers children ages 14-18 the chance to experience a deployed environment through a weekend retreat April 27-29 at the Maxwell Youth Center. "Participants will be introduced to certain situations, a squadron like environment and tours of different base facilities," said Sarah Cooper, programs director at the Maxwell Youth Center. "Maxwell Youth Center, OMK, and 4-H want to challenge the youth to become more aware of what tasks and missions their parents can deal with when they are deployed." Register by April 20 by calling 953-6292. To make education fun, Jones and the Integrated Delivery System are presenting Fit Families Field Day from 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 26 at the soccer field by hunt Housing. Activities include family chain links, beanbag bingo, scavenger hunt, awareness hoops and wingmen ball roll. "It is our goal as an IDS is to collaborate with base prevention awareness information to make our families fit. It's our belief that fit families equal mission readiness," Jones said. "If families are prepared to face life obstacles and know how to seek assistance, then we have more fit families who are mission ready and mission strong." EVENTS Baby and You Orientation - New and expecting parents can learn more about being a parent at this workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 4 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Register by calling 953-5430. Children's Health Fair - Parents and children can learn more about health issues from 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday at the clinic. Door prizes will be available. Expectant dad class - The Maxwell Family Advocacy Program offers this class from 2-5 p.m. April 17 at the mental health clinic. Register by calling 953-5430. Potty training class - The Maxwell Family Advocacy Program offers this class from 9:30-11 a.m. April 18 at the Maxwell Event Center. Register by calling 953-5430. Parent-child dance - The Maxwell Youth Center will host this free event from 6-8 p.m. April 20 at the Maxwell Event Center. Call 953-6292 for information. Parent-child bowling tournament - The Maxwell Bowling Center will host this event beginning at 1:30 p.m. April 21. Cost is $15 per pair. The winning team gets a child's bowling ball and gift card. Register by April 20 by calling 953-5049. Parent-child golf - Cypress Tree is hosting a parent-child golf tournament at 1 p.m. April 28. Entry fee is $40 per team and includes green fees, cart and lunch. Register by April 23 by calling 953-2209. For a full list of events, pick up a Touch and Go magazine.