Base makes Camp Sunshine fun for local sons Published Aug. 5, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Airman 1st Class Byron Wilson of the 42nd Contracting Squadron has only been at his first duty station for a month, but already he has taken part in his first volunteer activity. He'd read about the volunteer opportunity for Camp Sunshine and jumped at the opportunity to do something with youth, he said. "It's fun to watch the different kids," he said, and he enjoyed the opportunity to "play games, teach and mentor the young kids. It's a good time." Camp Sunshine is an endeavor of the Boy Scouts of America, the Central Alabama Community Foundation and Maxwell-Gunter. It involves children ages 6-12 from the Montgomery Housing Authority communities in an assortment of fun and educational summer activities. A few months ago, the girls took part in summer activities at various spots in Montgomery through the efforts of the Girl Scouts of America. Last week, it was the boys' turn. About 50 boys a day explored summer fun opportunities at Maxwell, assisted by a host of base volunteers, said Michael Collins, Boy Scouts district executive. Participants were taken by bus from the housing communities each morning and then split up into smaller group doing different activities, including crafts and archery. After lunch, the groups met up for large activities in the afternoon, which included bowling, swimming and a demonstration with the military working dogs from the 42nd Security Forces Squadron. Base volunteers consisted of "about 40 people that rotated throughout the week," according to Carla Martin, wing special events coordinator and protocol officer. Martavious Salter, 10, who attended four of the five days the camp was offered, loved "basically everything" about the camp and plans to come back "till I hit 14, then I'll be mature. But I'll still want to come back." Capt. Robert Atkinson, who serves at the base clinic, vigilantly monitored and mentored youth at the bow and arrow and BB gun activity station, with an eye towards safety. "I'm enjoying it, but it's work," he said. "They're good kids." Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Boyle, an NCO Academy instructor, spent her mornings last week in a pavilion near the base lakes, helping with arts and crafts projects. "I like working with kids," she said. "It's what I want to do when I get out, so every time I get the opportunity, I do it." Daughter Kierra Simpson, a senior at Prattville High School, who liked being able to assist the children, joined her. "Hopefully I'm still here next year to do it again because it's fun," she said. "I see myself doing these kinds of things because if my mom volunteers, I volunteer too. I've never done a camp like this before, but I'm glad I did." Mr. Collins appreciated the base volunteers, who ensured activities ran smoothly. "Doing it here on base has been very good for us because of all the volunteers that come out," he said. He also appreciated the hard work of the dog handlers and bowling alley staff that made the activities successful. "The staff was great working with the kids," he noted.