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ONNA, Okinawa - A bus travels down narrow, winding back roads leading to an open field and what appears to be a cabin hidden in the thick vegetation atop one of Okinawa’s loom
Marines stationed at Camp Foster and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma recently attended a daylong trip sponsored in part by Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa to the Forest Adventure in Onna, Okinawa. The event was part of the MCCS and Single Marine Program’s “Home for the Holidays” campaign.
The campaign offers service members, their families and friends opportunities to take their minds off work and the demands of military life, according to Anna Borum, the community services coordinator with MCCS.
“Activities like today’s event can give us a chance to unwind,” said Borum. “To just (get out and) have good, clean fun.”
The park has many obstacles and challenges that complement the well-known zip-line attractions, according to Bobby L. Parker, a park employee.
“The course has everything from slides and bridges, to swings and nets,” said Parker. “You can get a pretty good workout going through the course.”
The participants were given the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and time off, which reinforced the positive benefits of trying something new.
“I really enjoyed coming out here,” said Lance Cpl. Emerson P. Chavira, an equipment operator with Facilities Engineers, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “I met some new people and got to know other acquaintances better.”
Along with offering a chance to relax, the course also encouraged a high level of physical exertion, according to Reynaldo D. Contu, an MCCS tour guide for both on and off-island events.
“We can look at (today’s event) in more than one way,” said Contu. “It gives participants a chance to unwind, as well as offering some physical training.”
The event also provided a medium for developing camaraderie and small-unit cohesion, according to Parker.
“We offer group packages, which give individual units a chance to participate and grow as a family,” said Parker. “As group morale improves, so does camaraderie.”
The park includes an area in which unit leaders can instruct their subordinates before, during and after zip-lining, according to Parker.
“Since there’s an area that can be used for (instruction), units can come here, teach their Marines, then follow up with physical activity,” said Parker.
Units or individuals interested in participating can contact MCCS about myriad events taking place across Okinawa.
