ACS News
Experience "a day in the life" of a Soldier at Freedom Camp 2008! This wonderful camp is planned for children ages 7 to 18, of Soldiers who are currently deployed, have returned from deployment within the last seven months, or will deploy within the next seven months.
For teens, ages 13-18, this is a three day overnight camp beginning at 8am, Thursday, June 19, and ending at 5pm, Saturday, June 21. Pre-teens, ages 7-12, will experience day camp activities on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21 from 8am-5pm each day. Deadline to register is Friday, June 6.
Registration packets and instructions may be downloaded on www.blissmwr.com/freedomcamp/ or you may pick one up at CYS Central Registration. There is a $10 registration fee per family. A limited number of scholarships are available. Space is also limited, so register now! For more information, call 568-9306/569-7732.
If you are looking to spend some time this upcoming summer making a difference in a child’s life, this opportunity might be just for you!
Fort Bliss Freedom Camp is looking for youth ages 13 and older and adults that would like to volunteer their time this summer helping out at a fun and exciting camp! Freedom Camp will be held June 19-21 at Biggs Army Airfield. Camp Counselors must attend a mandatory training held June 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Centennial Club, Biggs Army Airfield. All interested candidates must register through the Installation Volunteer Coordinator no later than May 30. If this sounds like you, contact the Installation Volunteer Coordinator at 568-1132 or tephanie.hopper1@us.army.mil. The volunteer package can be downloaded at http://www.blissmwr.com/freedomcamp/
Do you have what it takes to be a leader? We want to hear from you. Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Corps and YESS will be hosting a leadership training for youth from grades 9-12 on June 12-13 at Balfour Beatty's Military Housing, 1991 Marshall Road (formerly known as GMH). The leadership training will be based on the Points of Lights Youth Leadership Institute, a nationwide curriculum which focuses on teambuilding, diversity, communication, leadership development, and community service. Applications can be retrieved from ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road or here. Deadline for submission is June 6. For questions or more information please contact the Fort Bliss Army Volunteer Coordinator at 568-1132.
Purchasing a car requires time and research. The Financial Readiness Program is offering a Car Buying & Insurance class Friday, May 16 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Army Community Service. You will leave with tips, resources and facts that will make you a smarter shopper when it comes to vehicles. To register call 568-7088.
Are you out to your eyeballs in debt? Do you find yourself paying more in fees than the original balance? Come to our class and learn how to minimize your debt. You will leave with a strategy on how to turn your financial situation around. Class is Wednesday, May 21 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Army Community Service. To register call 568-7088.
The Fort Bliss Waiting Families is a proactive program designed to assist families who are geographically separated from the military sponsor due to mobilization/deployment, TDY or PCS/Relocation. The focus of this group is to build friendships and ease the stress and demands on the family during times of separation. The Waiting Families Group also serves as a liaison between military and civilian agencies to ensure assistance is provided for family members.
FREE Bowling and Pizza at the Fort Bliss Bowling Alley for all registered Waiting Families on the following dates from 6 to 9 p.m.:
- 10 May
- 14 June
- 12 July
- 9 August
- 13 September
- 11 October
- 8 November
- 13 December
FREE Monthly Dinners for all registered Waiting Families from 6 to 8 p.m.
- 25 April
- 30 May
- 27 June
- 25 July
- 29 August
- 26 September
- 24 October
- 28 November
- 19 December
To register, sign-up for the dinners, or to learn more about our Waiting Families please call Cher Poehlein at Army Community Service at 568-1132/7088.
The Fort Bliss Bowling Center and George V, Underwood Golf Complex are offering special discounts on services. The Bowling Center is offering a $1 discount on up to three games of bowling in one day. This discount is available Wednesday and Thursday. The Underwood Golf Complex is offering a $10 discount on daily green fees and lessons. This is also available on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, contact the Bowling Center at 568-6272/1685 and the Golf Complex at 562-206 or 568-1273.
MWR would like to remind individuals with a "Wounded Warrior Card" that they are entitled to the following discounts:
- Free games of bowling and free shoe rental at Fort Bliss Bowling Center.
- Free club rental, free cart rental and free green fees at George V. Underwood Golf Complex.
- Free usage of MWR Park facilities.
- Free equipment rental at MWR Park facilities.
For more information, contact the Bowling Center at 568-6272/1685 and the Golf Complex at 562-206 or 568-1273.
Join in some stress reduction, management and relaxation classes while gaining balance, agility and more thru Army Community Services' FREE Yoga classes. The class will be offered every Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. and child care will be paid for all who are registered with the Child Development Center. Tai Chi is offered every Friday at Stout Gym starting at 11:30. For more information call ACS at 568-1132 or Stout Gym at 568-3826/6458. Please dress in comfortable, loose clothing to allow for easier movement; water bottle recommended.
The Unit Service Coordinator (USC) program at ACS has been implemented to assist commanders and rear-detachment commanders with meeting the needs of their Soldiers and Family members. The USC for each unit will serve as the unit's single point of contact to coordinate ACS services/trainings and ensure command teams get what assistance they need from ACS. USCs coordinate ACS briefers to present trainings (Unit coordinates location, equipment, and childcare, if needed), contact commanders on a monthly basis to offer support, attend commander's staff meetings on a regular basis to provide updated ACS information, to be determined by commander, and provide ACS overview briefs to units and FRGs. For more information or to get in contact with your unit's USC, please call ACS at 568-1132.
Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program (FAP) will host 8 hour stress management reduction classes on July 29, August 5 and September 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Active duty Soldiers, Family members and Civilian employees are invited to attend. There is no cost for class. The A.M. session is learning about stress, causes of stress and coping skills along with creative relaxation techniques. The class participants are invited to participate in the Yoga class which is held from noon to 1 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and yoga mat. The P.M. session will be hands on 15 minute Stress Out Program.
Civilian/NAF employees must submit an approved DD1556 through CPAC. Both the A.M. & P.M. sessions must be attended to receive training credit. For more information contact Norricia Speights at 568-1132 or visiting Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494. Registration is required.
All classes are held at ACS, Bld. 2494
Early childhood Classes
1-3 p.m. *6 weeks course, 2 hours every week
School Age/Teen Classes
1-3 p.m. *6 weeks course, 2 hours every week
Healthy Kids Classes
Parents of children ages 0-6 year olds learn about nutrition, safety, and car seat safety.
1-3 p.m. *2 weeks course, 2 hours per week
- May 14
- August 14
- November 12
Baby Care 101
1-3 p.m.
- July 11
- September 5
- November 7
Expectant Sibling Class
Children ages 3 to 8 years old learn how to hold, feed and play with a new baby.
- May 14- 6-7:30 p.m.
- July 16- 1-3 p.m.
- October 7- 6-7:30 p.m.
Playgroup
Ages 18 months to 4 years
The group meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Please call 568-4878 since locations vary.
Free child care is available for Parenting and Healthy Kids Classes. (Children must be registered with CYS and reservations must be made prior classes. Voucher for child care will be given after each class.)
The Yellow Ribbon Room is a facility that will support the Waiting Family Members of Fort Bliss. It is equipped with ten Internet computers, with cameras and DVD recorders to make DVDs to send to our Soldiers. Also accommodated are two gaming areas, three TVs, a play area for children, a writing & reading area, and a wide variety of support information for families. For more information call ACS at 568-6291.
You have a voice and we want to hear it! If you have had an unpleasant experience with an area business that you would like to report, please come by ACS, Bldg. 2494, or call 568-7088 to schedule an appointment.
The loan closet is stocked with household items to use before household goods arrive or after you have packed out for your new assignment. Items may be borrowed for 30 days. ID cards and a copy or your PCS orders are required. For information, call 568-1132.
