Continuing a 51-year relationship with a local orphanage, Marines and sailors at Camp Fuji plan to welcome almost 40 children Sunday for an Easter celebration.
About 22 children and four teachers from Seishin Orphanage in Tanashi City, with 11 children and their parents from Idu Mama and several children of base employees, have been invited to the Easter egg hunt, egg toss and a visit from the Easter bunny (Gunnery Sgt. Brent Dorrough), said Fuji’s chaplain, Lt. j.g. Ned Alderman.
“Our Marines love being with the kids,” Alderman said.
The base welcomes the orphanage children to events throughout the year. At Halloween, Marines escort the youngsters trick-or-treating around base. They hold events at Christmas time and Marines frequently visit the orphanage, Alderman said.
The relationship, while allowing orphans new experiences, also helps Marines feel at home, Alderman said. Most of those assigned to the remote camp are on unaccompanied tours.
“They miss being at home” for the big holidays, he said.
Volunteers, including Marines and camp civilian employees, prepared for the party by filling 774 plastic eggs and two piñatas with goodies, Alderman said.
Many family members back home sent treats for the event and Marines donated their time and money, Alderman said. “Everyone gets in on the act,” he said.
The celebration, scheduled to include relay races and other games, is to take place from 1 to 4 p.m. inside Big Guns Gym.
“For the finale, we’ll take them over to the food court for pizza,” Alderman said. “They love pizza.”
Easter calendar
Yokota Air Base:
The base natatorium is hosting an underwater egg hunt and duck derby at 10 a.m. Saturday for children 6 to 16. Call the natatorium at DSN 225-6133 for more information.
An egg hunt is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at West Youth Center, Building 3258, for children up to age 13. Call DSN 225-7422 for more information.
Tama Hills Recreation Area:
The area is hosting its 17th annual Easter Festival and egg hunt at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The festival includes rides, prizes and refreshments.
Yokosuka Naval Base:
Children can watch the Sesame Street Show on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Thew Gym as part of the Eggstravaganza. The cost is $5 for children over 1 year old. There will be games. The show is scheduled for 11 a.m. followed by a chance to meet the characters. Yokosuka is also holding a free Easter Egg hunt the same day in the athletic fields near the gym. Different prizes will be available for each age group. Call DSN 241-4891 for information.
Naval Air Facility Atsugi:
The base Easter egg hunt is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Ranger Field. It will include four age categories, an egg toss, egg-on-a-spoon races and refreshments.
Camp Zama:
Children are invited to the post Easter egg hunt starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Rambler Field. The event will include refreshments and prizes. The hunt will be divided into four age categories.
Misawa Air Base:
The Misawa Commissary is hosting its second annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday for infants and children up to 12 years of age. The hunt takes place across the street from the commissary parking lot. The alternate site in case of rain or snow is Hangar 949.
An egg hunt also will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday for children of club members in Mutsu ballroom. Call 222-9514 for more information.
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam:
The base plans to hold an egg hunt at 9 a.m. Saturday in Arc Light Park. Kids 1-12 in three ages groups can hunt for 1,000 eggs filled with treats. Call DSN 366-6157 for more information.
U.S. Naval Base Guam:
An egg hunt is planned for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Orate Point Bowling Alley. Three age groups, covering kids aged 1-12, can participate. Prizes are available to those who find golden eggs. Call DSN 564-1851 for more information.
