Children prepare to go back to school

A Team Shaw member looks inside a backpack during the Exceptional Family Member Program Kid’s Jamboree at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 27, 2016. Team Shaw children were treated to various school items, and free food and drinks throughout the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children prepare to go back to school

Team Shaw children participate in a watermelon eating contest during the Exceptional Family Member Program Kid’s Jamboree at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 27, 2016. Parents and children had the opportunity to participate in bounce house activities, various informational booths and standard health screenings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children prepare to go back to school

Sumter City Police Department officers performs a K-9 demonstration during the Exceptional Family Member Program Kid’s Jamboree at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 27, 2016. The event provided Team Shaw families the opportunity to receive school supplies, play in bounce houses and receive standard health screenings before the beginning of the school year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)

Children prepare to go back to school

Published July 28, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Members of Team Shaw partnered with the Exceptional Family Member Program to host the annual Kid’s Jamboree at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 27, 2016.

The event served as an outlet for Team Shaw children to get standard screenings before the start of the school year.

“Through the department of education they have the Child Find program, which is a free screening for hearing, speech, language and cognitive skills,” said J C Brown, Airman and Family Readiness Center family support coordinator. “With that we have worked with our community partners to make sure children are getting the checks needed to go back to school.”

In addition to health screenings, children participated in watermelon eating contests, interacted with informational booths and had the opportunity to win back-to-school supplies.

“The event is set up so the kids can have a good time before they head back to school,” said Senior Airman Jamari Smith, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant wing avionics manager.

We provide them with school supplies, bounce-houses and food to keep their energy up throughout the event, said Smith.

As the beginning of the school year draws near, Team Shaw families had the chance to mark-off their back-to-school checklist while the kids enjoyed some summer time fun.