JBLM military families enjoy camp at Malibu Club

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Located on the shores of the Princess Louisa inlet beneath mountain peaks that reach as high as 8,000 feet known as the Canadian Royal Fjords is a resort called Malibu Club.

At this resort they have everything from kayaking, to water skiing, to navigating mountain bike trails, to riding zip lines, to relaxing at their heated outdoor pool and getting pampered with meals and activities abound.

From the weeks of August 17 - 30, more than 55 JBLM military families experienced this as part of a Military Family Camp special event.

Sponsored by numerous donors and managed by Club Beyond and Young Life, this program affords military members the time to get away from the stresses of everyday life, spend quality time together, laugh a lot and to be restored.

Free from the stress of everyday life the club is located at a spot only reachable by sea or air, located 100 miles north of Vancouver, Canada on the Princess Louisa inlet.

"My overall impression was, 'Wow!'" said Master Sgt. Leda Weslow, 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCOIC individual protective equipment section. "All these wonderful people put this great week on for us, I felt much appreciated for my service in the Air Force. What I enjoyed the most was spending time with my daughter without any worries for a week."

The more than 55 families were broken up in to two groups attending on two separate weeks, approximately 27 families attended the week of Aug 17-22, while the remaining families attended the week of August 23-29. In total more than 260 JBLM military members and their families were treated to this club.

The club is located in such a remote area that there is no television, no internet and no cell phone service.

"The real highlight of this event is the serenity," said Sgt. Keith Robeson, 3-2 Stryker Brigade, 123rd Infantry member and father of 7. "Stepping outside of our normal and thinking about the better things in life made this all worthwhile.

"Having no cell phones or electronics and everything that swarms our lives was nice to get away from. I was really happy when my unit allowed me this opportunity to attend."

Each day there were more than 100 volunteers who helped make this event successful and each of them pay their own way to be a part of this event that shows and pays respect to the military and their families.

"The biggest reason we volunteer is we want to serve the men and women who serve our country," said Mike Self, Pastor of Family Life at River West Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon and one of the volunteer coordinators. "This camp is a great way to show love to those who sacrifice on our behalf.

"It is the joy of seeing families really connect over the week together. Families act more like families, husband and wives hold hands, kids being kids and just seeing the families enjoy themselves so much, gives us all the satisfaction we need."

After it was all said and done, the military families of JBLM received a special treat as they experienced this week away from the hustle and bustle of JBLM.

"I was fulfilled, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically," said Rachel Champ, spouse of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Arron Champ, a helicopter pilot assigned to JBLM. "This was amazing and we would have never had this opportunity without the generous volunteers that made all of it happen."