Fort Bliss MWR News

Soldier Activity Center pool temporarily closed

The pool at the Soldier Activity Center is temporarily closed for repairs. The pool will reopen once repairs are completed. For more information, call (915) 744-1527.

Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss

Shop for crafts, services, produce and food items, and more at the Wagon Trails Market at Old Fort Bliss.

From 4-6 p.m. every Friday from April 19 through September 27 (except those associated with a federal holiday weekend), head to the Old Fort Bliss Replica at the corner of Pershing and Pleasonton for a fun family shopping experience. Browse vendors, enjoy entertainment and find a great way to spend a Friday evening ... you might even find something to take home for dinner!

Vendors and entertainers of all sorts are welcome to contact the replica's education program manager for more information on setting up at the market.

To become a vendor, or to learn more, call (915) 568-4518 or (915) 588-8482.

The Big Splash

The Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center is ushering in summer with a splash! The SAC will host its Big Splash event Thursday, May 23 from 4-9 p.m.

The evening will be filled with a barbecue, climbing wall competition, gaming tournament, DJ entertainment and the opening of the pool for the summer season. Snack food will be available from 4-6 p.m.

The SAC is open to guests 18 and older and is located at 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/soldier_activity_center or call (915) 744-1532.

Ultimate Summer Expedition

Pack your gear for an adventure-filled weekend! Join Southwest Adventure May 24-27 for an overnight rafting trip, experience the CKS Paddlefest, hit up the crags for premier Colorado rock climbing and end the trip with North America's longest zipline.

The trip costs $300 per person and includes rafting, camping, climbing and ziplining fees, equipment rental, transportation and some meals. Advance purchase is required; buy tickets at the Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

Catch up with Southwest Adventure online at blissmwr.com/southwest_adventure or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/blissodr. To learn more, call (915) 744-1532.

Kids' fishing tournament at Ascarate Lake

Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services and the Ascarate Fishing Club will conduct a free fishing tournament for youth ages 3-16 Saturday, May 25 at Ascarate Lake.

The tournament will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the east pavilion of the lake and conclude at noon. On-site registration will run from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Fort Bliss CYSS tent, and will include a free T-shirt while supplies last. All registered youth will be treated to free hot dogs, chips and drinks following the tournament. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories.

The lake will be stocked with 2,400 native fish prior to the event. Bait and 350 rods and reels will be on hand to borrow from the club with a photo ID card as collateral. The tournament will be open to the entire El Paso youth community. Because this is an educational venture with the Ascarate Fishing Club, a "catch and release" policy will be enforced with tournament participants.

An adult may assist a child with bringing in a fish, but may not fish for the child. Adults age 17 and older must have a Texas fishing license to fish in the lake. Texas fishing licenses may be purchased at several local sporting goods stores, including Academy, Big 5 and others.

The tournament is sponsored by the County of El Paso, Price's Dairy, Kohl's Academy Sports and Outdoors, and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

While the tournament is free, all guests must pay the $1 per car Ascarate Park admission fee to enter the park. Only cash is accepted. Ascarate Park is located at 6900 Delta Drive in El Paso.

For more information, call (915) 755-0983 or (915) 751-3891.

Southwest Mayhem Paintball Tournament

Grab your markers and your masks and prepare for mayhem ... Southwest Mayhem!

The Southwest Mayhem Paintball Tournament takes over Biggs Paintball Field Saturday, May 25. Display your dominance and win great prizes, including Empire Axe markers, Empire E-Flex goggles and Empire Prophecy 22 loaders.

This three-on-three tournament will be played in a round-robin format. Entry costs $130 per team and include field fees and one case of paint. Register by May 23 at the Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

Biggs Paintball Field is located inside Biggs Park at 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-1527 or visit blissmwr.com/southwest_adventure. Keep up with Southwest Adventure, Fort Bliss' outdoor recreation experts, on Facebook at facebook.com/blissodr.

2013 Fort Bliss Track Championship

Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the 2013 Fort Bliss Track Championship May 28-30, presented by Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics.

The meet is open to active-duty Soldiers, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. Entry is free for active-duty and costs $5 per event entered for all other runners.

Races begin at 6 p.m. each day. Registration begins at 4 p.m. each day and must be completed no later than 30 minutes before the race in which you are competing.

May 28 events include the 1500-meter run final, 100-meter dash qualifier, 400-meter dash qualifier, 1600-meter relay (4x400) qualifier and 400-meter relay (4x100) qualifier.

May 29 events include the 5000-meter run final, 400-meter dash final, 100-meter dash semifinal (if necessary), 200-meter dash qualifier and 800-meter dash qualifier.

May 30 events include the 100-meter dash final, 800-meter dash final, 200-meter dash final, 1600-meter relay final and 400-meter relay final.

For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com/intramurals or call (915) 744-5794.

May Day specials at Desert Strike Lanes

Strike! Desert Strike Lanes is serving up specials from 7-10:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through the month of May. Bowlers will enjoy unlimited bowling for $7 (shoes included) and $1 hot dogs and small pizza slices.

Desert Strike Lanes is located at 2949 Carter Road. For more information, call (915) 568-6272.

Right Arm Night, hosted by Garrison Command

Show your "right arm" how much you appreciate their service during Right Arm Night, starting at 5 p.m. Friday, May 31 at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club. The event is hosted by Fort Bliss Garrison Command.

Right Arm Night allows Soldiers to spend time together outside of the workplace. Show your "right arm" your appreciation, and enjoy a night of camaraderie, free snacks and great music. Drink specials include $2 wells and beer specials.

The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club is located at Bldg. 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in northeast El Paso. For more information, call (915) 565-4867.

PGA Free Lesson Month

Brush up on your game - or pick up a new pastime - during PGA Free Lesson Month at Underwood Golf Complex.

Through the month of May, take advantage of a free 10-minute mini lesson from Underwood's certified golf pro. Advance appointments are required, and free mini-lessons are limited to one per person.

Underwood Golf Complex is located at Bldg. 3200 Coe Avenue in the Logan Heights housing area. For more information, call (915) 568-1059.

Red Bull King of the Rock tournament

Lace up your shoes and steady your nerves: It’s time to face off for a chance to be crowned King of the Rock. For the third straight year, the Red Bull King of the Rock one-on-one basketball tournament will make a stop at Fort Bliss for a special qualifier. This year's qualifier will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, May 31 at Stout Physical Fitness Center’s outdoor basketball courts.

The event is open to active-duty military, family members 16 years of age and older, retirees, and Department of Defense and Department of the Army civilians from the Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. Registration is free and requires a DoD/DA-issued identification card.

The local winner will skip the regional qualifier and head directly to the finals on the island of Alcatraz … better known as “The Rock.” The finals will take place September 28. In addition to a trip to "The Rock," the local winner will take home a $1,000 cash prize, which will be paid when the finalist arrives at Alcatraz.

Applications can be picked up at Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss, or Stout Physical Fitness Center, 2930 Cassidy Road on West Fort Bliss. The field is limited to 64 players and sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. Players from the communities of Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range may register via email; call (915) 569-6774 for details.

Players may also register on the day of the tournament, but only as long as there are still slots available. On-site registration begins at 7 p.m.

Learn more about King of the Rock at www.redbull.com/kingoftherock. For more information on the local qualifier, call (915) 569-6774.

Ludacris and Friends coming to Fort Bliss

Army Entertainment, Mission One Voice and Fort Bliss Family and MWR are proud to bring you multi-platinum rapper Ludacris and friends. The show is set for Saturday, June 1 at Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Purchase your advance tickets for $20 at www.blissmwr.com. Just click the Ludacris banner and go from there. Tickets on the day of the show will cost $25 each.

A three-time Grammy winner, Ludacris has sold more than 12 million albums domestically and has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers.

No outside food or beverages are permitted. Coolers, glass containers, alcohol and pets are also prohibited. There is no ATM at Biggs Park.

The national tour is sponsored by IMCOM, Army MWR, Mission One Voice and CAMMO, the Center for American Military Music Opportunities. Local support is provided by Western Technical College, Casa Ford Lincoln Nissan, and USAA.

For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com or call (915) 588-8247.

Commander's Cup Softball League

The Fort Bliss Commander's Cup Softball League will begin play the week of June 3. The league is open to company-level teams of active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss and is a Commander's Cup league.

A mandatory coaches' meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 at the Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. All coaches must attend and bring a letter of intent.

For more information, contact the appropriate command sports coordinator or call (915) 744-5794:

• Independent league: (915) 568-5198
• 1-1 AD and 4-1 AD and CAB: (915) 744-5800
• 2-1 AD, 3-1 AD: (915) 744-5793
• 11th ADA: (915) 568-5995

Bunco at Pershing Pub

Get out your dice and get ready to roll ... it's Bunco time!

The historic Pershing Pub will host Bunco nights on select Thursdays beginning June 6. Each night will feature a fun theme, with snacks and beverages to match. For just $10, you get your Bunco buy-in with theme snacks included. You'll be playing for great prizes, too!

The pub will host Bunco at 6 p.m. on the following nights:

• June 6: Senoritas with Margaritas
• June 13: Fashionably Bunco
• June 20: Girls Just Want to Have Fun (80s theme)
• July 11: Night of Elegance
• July 18: Charlie's Angels (70s theme)
• July 25: Bunco in Paradise
• August 8: Diamonds are a Girls Best Frie
• August 15: Cowgirl Round-Up
• August 22: Bunco and the City

Reservations are recommended. For more information, call (915) 781-6809.

Biggs Laser Tag

Who's afraid of the dark? Enjoy night laser tag for all ages at Biggs Park. Southwest Adventure has the gear ... you just show up!

BIGG Laser Tag is scheduled for Friday, June 7; and Friday, June 21. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person and includes equipment rental. Don't miss our coupon for buy one, get one free laser tag admission in the spring issue of ¡blissNOW! magazine, on stands April 1.

Biggs Park is located at 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd. on East Fort Bliss. To learn more, call Southwest Adventure at (915) 744-1532.

National Get Outdoors Day Expo

Get off the couch and get outdoors! The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club and Southwest Adventure proudly present the National Get Outdoors Day Expo from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 8.

Admission to the National Get Outdoors Day Expo is free and open to all. The event will showcase free demos of shooting, archery, camping, mountain biking and campfire cooking, along with free disc golf, laser tag and water games for the kids. Don't miss displays from outdoors vendors and information on area tourism and activities, as well.

The National Get Outdoors Day Expo will be held at the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club, located at 3730 Roy Johnson Lane in northeast El Paso. For more information, call (915) 568-2983.

Open Basketball League

Get your team together and sign up for the Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Open Basketball League. Play begins Saturday, June 8. All games will be played Saturdays at Soto Physical Fitness Center.

The league is open to active-duty military, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilains. Team rosters are limited to 12 players. Registration costs $260per team. All teams are guaranteed seven games: six regular-season games and one playoff game.

A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss

Soto PFC is located at 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. The league memorandum of instruction (MOI) can be found at www.blissmwr.com/intramurals. For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

Open Volleyball League

Bump. Set. Spike! Grab a team and sign up for the 2013 Fort Bliss Open Volleyball League. The league will begin play Saturday, June 8. All games will be played Saturdays at Stout Physical Fitness Center, 2930 Cassidy Road on West Fort Bliss

The league is open to active-duty military, family members 18 and older, and DoD/DA civilians. Registration costs $260 per team. All teams are guaranteed sevengames: sixregular-season games and one playoff game.

A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at Soto PFC, 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

The league memorandum of instruction (MOI) can be found at www.blissmwr.com/intramurals. For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

30-Over Basketball League

If you're looking for a little friendly competition, check out the new 30-Over Basketball League, presented by Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics. The season begins Saturday, June 8. All games will be played Saturday at Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss

The league is open to players 30 and over who are active-duty military, family members, and DoD/DA civilians. Team rosters are limited to 12 players. Registration costs $225 per team. All teams are guaranteed six games: five regular-season games and one playoff game.

A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

Soto PFC is located at 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. The league memorandum of instruction (MOI) can be found at www.blissmwr.com/intramurals. For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

Women's Softball League

The Team Bliss Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Women's Softball League will begin play Friday, June 7. The league is open to active-duty military assigned to Fort Bliss, family members 18 year of age and older, and DoD/DA civilians. All games are played Fridays at the Omar Bradley Softball Complex.

League participation is free for active-duty Soldiers and costs $20 each for all other players.

A mandatory coaches meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 at the Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss.

For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

ScreamFree Marriage seminar

Join the Family Advocacy Program for a life-changing date night and take part in a free ScreamFree Marriage seminar with licensed marriage and family therapist Hal Edward Runkel.

The seminar will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at the Family Resilience Center. Pre-registration is required via telephone, and limited free child care is available for pre-registered participants only.

The seminar will combine timeless principles, the foremost clinical research and an entertaining speaking style. Runkle will present a vision for intimate relationships unlike most everything you’ve ever heard.

Runkel is a former minister who has been inspiring family change for more than 10 years. ScreamFree Marriage is not about "fighting fair" or "meeting one another's needs" or "becoming more compatible." None of these can truly grow an individual as a person or improve a marriage. A ScreamFree Marriage begins with calming one's own anxiety and focusing on individual self-respect, championing one's own personal growth as the key to intimacy. ScreamFree Marriage actually celebrates the difference between spouses as the foundation for a great marriage, a message that really hits home with many military families.

Free ScreamFree books and DVDs will be provided to the first 100 couples who pre-register. The Family Resilience Center is located at 250 Club Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/fap or call (915) 568-9129 to register.

Celebrate the Army's birthday

The Army keeps rolling along! Celebrate the Army's 238th birthday Friday, June 14 at the Centennial. Enjoy free cake with any meal purchase during lunch hours, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Centennial is located at Bldg. 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-8427.

Murder mystery dinner: Murder To Point Uh Oh!

Can you solve the mystery when a double-ring ceremony turns into a three ring circus? Test your sleuthing skills when Murder Two Point Uh Oh! brings an interactive comedy murder mystery to the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14.

Written by Army veteran Kenneth Frehill and Darryl Allara, Murder Two Point Uh Oh! is set at the wedding rehearsal dinner of a happy couple. Matrimony, mystery and mayhem surround this happy-to-hysterical, high-wire, pre-wedding event, which brings together the couple’s fractured family and guests.

Murder Two Point Uh Oh! offers two ways to enjoy the dinner theater: You can, of course, watch the hilarity unfold from your seats ... or you can be part of it!

Family and MWR needs volunteer actors to play roles in the show. No formal acting experience is necessary. There are roles for everyone. The production casts volunteer Soldiers, family members, retirees and DoD civilians as actors. A professional team provided by Army Entertainment puts on a workshop to develop that production.

If you’re interested in performing in Murder Two Point Uh Oh!, call the Centennial at (915) 744-1171. There will not be formal auditions. Rehearsals will begin two to three days before the show.

If getting out in front of an audience isn’t your thing, no problem! Every show needs spectators. Tickets to Murder Two Point Uh Oh! cost $25 each and include a dinner buffet. Tickets go on sale May 15 and can be purchased at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss, or online at ticketbully.com.

For more information about Murder Two Point Uh-Oh!, visit blissmwr.com/centennial or call (915) 744-1171.

Father's Day Brunch at the Centennial

Show your No. 1 Dad he’s king of the castle with Father’s Day brunch Sunday, June 16 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center.

Bring out the family for a splendid all-you-can-eat buffet served with complimentary wine, champagne and mimosas. Enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch options, made-to-order eggs and omelets, a carving station, and salad and dessert bars.

Brunch costs $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children 5-10, and is free for children 4 years and under. Reservations are required. Seatings begin at 10 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.

The Centennial is located at 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St. on East Fort Bliss. For information, visit blissmwr.com/centennial or call (915) 744-1171.

Softball tournament to benefit varsity team

The Fort Bliss men's varsity softball team will host a tournament June 21-23 at the Omar Bradley Complex.

The tournament is open to teams consisting of active-duty military, family members 18 years of age and older, and DoD/Da civilians. Registration costs $250 per team; all proceeds benefit the Fort Bliss men's varsity softball team. All teams are guaranteed three games.

Divisions include Military A, Military B and intramural. Military divisions are open to teams comprised of active-duty military only. The intramural division is open to teams comprised of active-duty military, family members 18 years of age and older, and DoD/Da civilians.

The Omar Bradley Complex is located at 2968 Carter Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

Family camping at White Sands

Load up your family and head out to experience one of nature’s wonders when you join Southwest Adventure for a family camping excursion to White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. The next outing is scheduled for June 22.

For just $10 per person or $35 per family, campers will enjoy games in the sand, camping under the stars, hamburgers and hotdogs and any camping equipment required. Campers will provide their own transportation and meet at the park and pay their own park entrance fees. Active-duty military families are eligible for free annual national park passes. Visit www.nps.gov for more information.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained at the Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center, Bldg. 20732 Constitution Blvd. on East Fort Bliss.

To learn more, call (915) 744-1532.

Missoula Children's Theater presents "Pinocchio"

Missoula Children's Theater will partner with Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services for the seventh time this summer. From June 24-29, children will have the chance to audition for, rehearse, and perform in a production of "Pinocchio.”

Children will audition June 24, rehearse for five days under the direction of two Missoula coaches, and then perform for the community June 29. Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where responsibility is taught and learned so clearly. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual a lesson from art that carries into life.

The production is open to rising first-graders through age 18. Audition times and locations will be announced soon. To learn more, call 497-0687.

Commander's Cup Dodgeball Tournament

Warm up that shoulder and come out for the 2013 Commander's Cup Dodgeball Tournament Saturday, June 28 at Soto Physical Fitness Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m.

The double-elimination tournament is open to company-level teams consisting of active-duty Soldiers assigned to Fort Bliss. Teams consist of, at most, eight players on the field at one time. A team may have more than eight players, but additional players will wait on the sidelines to get in.

The tournament memorandum of instruction (MOI) can be found at www.blissmwr.com/intramurals.

Soto PFC is located at 20751 Constitution Ave. on East Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 744-5794.

PGA Women's Golf Month

Join Underwood Golf Complex and the PGA in celebrating Women's Golf Month in June. All month long, women who are not members of Underwood Golf Complex enjoy free greens fees; women who are club members get free range balls. Tee times by appointment only. For more information, call (915) 562-1273.

Enrollment open for School-Age Services summer camps

Children are welcome to join their friends this summer for lots of fun and excitement at one of three day-camp locations offered by Fort Bliss School-Age Services!

SAS will offer full-day, structured and supervised activities during the SISD, YISD and EPISD summer break, which runs June 3 through August 23. Enrollment is open to all CYSS-registered children currently completing first through fifth grades in the 2012-13 school year.

The fun begins daily at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., with extended care hours from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All three sites – Bliss School-Age Center, Logan SAC, and Milam SAC - will offer field trips, tours, bowling, roller-skating, computers, matinees, math and science exploration, physical fitness, cooking and craft projects, swimming, picnics, and a variety of sports and 4-H projects. During the week of June 3, SAS will host SISD campers at the Milam School-Age Center and Milam Youth Activity Center only.

Fees are based upon total family income and can range from $44 to $140 a week. Ask about a 15 percent multiple-child discount for siblings in regular care at either CDC or SAS programs, or with a Family Child Care provider.

Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services through the Parent Central Service office prior to attending a day camp. A program orientation at the site the child will attend is also required no less than 24 hours prior to attending. Important information, permission processes and frequently asked questions are covered. Spaces are limited and advance payments are required. To make an appointment to register, call Parent Central Services at (915) 568-4374. Walk-ins are accepted at Parent Central, located at 1743 Victory Road.

Registration requirements include the child’s shot records and physical forms, child’s birth certificate, sponsor’s military ID and most recent leave and earnings statement or pay stub for each adult in the home.

Child Development Services will offer a summer program for those children who have completed kindergarten (rising first graders) and Youth Services will offer a Middle School and Teen summer program for youth completing sixth grade and up in the 2012-2013 school year.

For additional information on School-Age Services, call 568-2178, 569-5784 or 744-2274; for Youth Services programs, call 568-5437 or 744-2449; and for Child Development Services, call 568-5689, 568-3989,  or 744-7877. Visit Fort Bliss Child, Youth and School Services online at blissmwr.com/cys.

Summer camps at the YouthPlex

The YouthPlex will host Middle School and Teen Program summer day camps June 10-August 23. Camp subjects cover everything from sewing, graphic design and scrapbooking to fine arts, nature days and sports camps. View the schedule online at blissmwr.com/mst. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each weekday at the YouthPlex, 195 Chaffee Road on West Fort Bliss. Fees are based on total family income. Advance registration is required and is currently under way. View the schedule here. For more information, call 568-5437.

MYAC summer camps: Get fun!

Don't spend another summer at home, glued to the television and bored out of your mind ... spend the summer at the Milam Youth Activity Center instead, and dont' miss a ton of fun summer day camps just for military youth ages 11-18 in sixth-12th grades!

Registration is open now for weekly summer day camps, which include Amanda's Adventure Camp, Water World, Independence Camp and the Hunger Games. With fun options like these, the odds are ever in your favor.

Camps run from 8 a.m. to noon each weekday at the Milam Youth Activity Center, 10960 Haan Road on East Fort Bliss. Fees are based on total family income. Advance registration is required and is currently under way. View the schedule here. For more information, call 744-2449.

Youth Sports summer camps

Team Bliss Youth Sports offers youth sports and fitness summer camps designed to give young athletes the opportunity to improve their skills, have fun and learn from excellent coaching staff. All camps are run five days and include free lunch and a T-shirt.

• Soccer: This co-ed camp for children ages 8-15 will run from 8-11:30 a.m. June 10-14 and costs $40. Players are grouped by age and skill level and will learn technique, tactics and the basic motor skills necessary to play, and experience a postive, fun-building camp.
• Basketball: This co-ed camp for children ages 10-15 will run from 8-11:30 a.m. June 17-21 and costs $40. The camp will teach fundamentals to develop individual skills and enhance basketball knowledge in a fun and exciting environment.
• Football Under the Lights: This co-ed camp for children ages 8-15 will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. a.m. June 24-28 and costs $40. This non-contact football camp requires neither pads nor helmets. The camp emphasizes theory and fundamentals of football. All campers will be divided into position groups based on age and ability.
• Volleyball: This co-ed camp for children ages 10-16 will run from 8-11:30 a.m. June 24-28 and costs $40. Campers will have the opportunity to learn from staff that coach at the collegiate level. The sessions will consist of basic fundamentals and individual skills and techniques.
• Start Smart: This co-ed camp for children ages 3-5 will run from 9-11 a.m. July 8-12 and costs $20. The Start Smart Development Program is one of Youth Sports' most popular camps and teaches children the basic motor skills necessary to play organized sports while they work one-on-one and spend quality time with their staff and volunteers.
• Baseball: This co-ed camp for youth ages 8-15 runs from 8-11:30 a.m. July 15-19 and costs $40. The baseball camp offers technique, world-class fun and is a proven resource to help develop novice and elite competitors. The camp will focus on fundamental skills and principles that are common in every game at every level.

Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to participate in Youth Sports' sports and fitness summer camps. To register with CYSS, contact Parent Central at 568-4374.

Click here to view the brochure. For more information, call Youth Sports at (915) 568-2617.

Youth Sports tackle football

Registration for Team Bliss Youth Sports tackle football runs through Monday, July 1. Tackle football is open to boys and girls ages 8-11. Players must be 8 years old by September 1, and cannot turn 12 years old by September 1. Registration costs $65 for the first child and $55 for each additional Family member.

The season is anticipated to run from August through November. This is a competitive league and the 50 percent participation rule is not in effect. Parents must attend the El Paso Parks and Recreation sportsmanship class before a child is eligible to participate in this Youth Services league.

Participants must be members of Child, Youth and School Services. To register with CYSS, contact Parent Central at 568-4374. Members must have a current physical on file at the time of registration to ensure participation.

For more information, call Youth Sports at 568-2617.

Better Opportunities for Single Parents

Better Opportunities for Single Parents, a new program at Fort Bliss, hosts meetings the second Wednesday of every month at the CAB Dining Facility, Bldg. 11316 Staff Sgt. Sims Street on East Fort Bliss. The meetings are working lunches held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join the group and help B.O.S.P. build a program to enrich the lives of single parents. Bring your voice, and your concerns. Discuss issues, plan events and provide support to other single parents.

The program is open to active-duty military, DoD/DA civilians and dual-military families who are in a single-parent situation due to TDY, deployment, separate duty stations or other reasons. To learn more, call the single parent liaison at (915) 569-5500.

Baby Bubble Hour

Baby Bubble Hour offers children ages 4 and under a chance to enjoy the water in a peaceful setting. No older children, including older siblings, are allowed in the water during this time. An open swim hour for toddlers, Baby Bubble Hour is held every Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m. at Replica Aquatic Center, Bldg. 5035 Dickman Road on Fort Bliss. For more information, call 568-7431.

Bonus Buck promotion at Desert Strike Lanes

Have you heard about the Bonus Buck? We're not talking about the extra dollar you found in your pocket last time you did laundry - we're talking about the Bonus Buck meal card at Strike Zone in Desert Strike Lanes!

From June 1-September 30, purchase five regular meal combos at Strike Lounge, and you'll receive $1 off your next meal or one game of bowling. All you have to do is pick up your Bonus Buck card and get it punched each time you buy a combo ... it's that easy!

Desert Strike Lanes is located at 2949 Carter Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, visit blissmwr.com/bowling or call (915) 568-6272.

NOW OPEN: The Pershing Pub

Family and MWR carries on the long-standing tradition of after-hours camaraderie with the newly renovated Pershing Pub, located in historic Pace Hall. The pub offers a lobby and bar area with comfortable chairs, flat screen TVs, a wide selection of beverages and pub-style appetizers. Regular business hours for Pershing Pub are Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m.; however, the Pub can also be rented out for special events and meetings. The Centennial Banquet and Conference Center can be utilized to cater all reservations.

Pace Hall is located at Bldg. 243 Club Road on West Fort Bliss. For more information, call (915) 568-6272.

ALR unit funds

Active-duty units and mobilized Guard and Reserve units deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), or troops deployed to Haiti and in support of homeland security while serving in remote areas, are authorized unit funds through the Army Level Requirements (ALR) Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation unit fund program. Units will receive $2 per Soldier per month beginning the month of deployment. Contact the Fort Bliss Family and MWR Financial Management Office by calling (915) 568-4444 to receive an ALR information package.

Underwood Golf Complex temporarily closed May 23

The Underwood Golf Complex golf course will be closed Thursday morning, May 23, for the Sergeant's Major Academy Tournament.  The golf course will reopen upon completion of the tournament, around 1pm.