NSW Families Camp with SEALs and SWCC By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Sonya Ansarov Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) – Naval Special Warfare (NSW) held a family campout September 27 and 28, at the Naval Special Warfare Center, also known as the Basic Underwater Demolition /SEAL (BUD/S) compound. The campout, sponsored by the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, was open to all NSW family members, civilian employees and friends. More than 80 families attended the campout, which featured the chance to spend the day doing activities related to the SEAL and SWCC communities, as well as spending the night on the same beach where SEALs train. "This is a once in a lifetime experience that my family and I couldn’t pass up," Linda Witthoft, an invited guest said. " It’s great to see just how kid-oriented this event is. They have constant activities to keep the kids busy and entertained — and the parents are having a great time, too." NSWC’s Chaplain’s office ran the event, along with volunteers from SEAL and SWCC commands. "This is a morale boosting event for family and friends of both communities, but our main focus is on the kids having fun and giving them a chance to see what their parents or relatives do for a living," Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Brad Younger said. The children enjoyed two inflatable bouncing houses, face painting — including camouflage, a clown, balloons and a rock climbing wall. Everyone was given the chance to swim in the SEAL’s Combat Training Tank (pool) and ride on the MK-V and 11 meter RHIBs (Ridged-hull Inflatable Boats), the craft used by the SWCCs to support maritime special operations. Yeoman 1st Class Loraine Campbell, who works at Naval Special Warfare Command, brought her 5-year-old son and his 4-year-old best friend to the event, and said she was amazed by all the activities available for the children and families. "They really go all out for the families to make sure everyone has a good time," Campbell said. The boys got to get behind the helm, which really pumped them up," Campbell said. "You could just see the excitement in their faces." For some parents, it was an opportunity to bring their kids camping for the first time. "I wanted to come so Rob could have his first camping experience in a controlled and fun environment," said Heather Bender, NSW family member, about her 5-year-old son. "Rob’s so excited about the camouflage face-painting and the glow-sticks they are handing out tonight. This event is so well organized, and you can just see how much fun everyone is having." After a full day of fun-filled activities, everyone gathered for a barbeque and a bonfire on the beach. The next morning, the fun continued with breakfast served on the beach. Children continued to smile through their smeared face paintings, and before leaving, each child received their photo and a certificate to remember their family campout experience, while some were asking their parents when they could do it all over again.