Patriot Point recently welcomed a group of 10 children from underserved communities in Annapolis for a day of relaxation and fun activities.
The children, ranging from 8 to 14 years old, took a bus from Annapolis and enjoyed a full day taking part in their favorite activities. They were able to take to the water in canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, fly kites on the beach, fish from the pier and get a close-up view of crabs in the shallow water of Parsons Creek.
“They had a lot of fun,” said Carina Rosenbaum, public information officer for the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, which worked to coordinate the visit with Patriot Point. “It was wonderful, especially for some of the kids who might not otherwise be able to get out of Annapolis in the summer and get an experience like that, to be out in nature and be around things that they might not see every day.”
Rosenbaum said that fishing was a highlight for many of the children, but even more importantly it served as a valuable social outing as many of the children realized they would be attending the same school this fall as other participants.
“While Patriot Point’s mission is focused on supporting service members, we also know the importance of providing opportunities like this to those who live in our communities, especially in Annapolis, home of the Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “To be able to bring a smile to these children’s faces and see them light up at the chance to enjoy something new is certainly worthwhile. We appreciate the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management’s support to make this happen for the seventh consecutive year.”
As the visit wrapped up, Patriot Point retreat directors Allen and Robin Richmond had one more surprise for everyone: A candy bar set up for the children to pack themselves a treat for the ride back.
“That was awesome!” Rosenbaum said.