Exploring the Pacific Northwest

Naval Base Kitsap's MWR list of leisure activities

By Christina Butcher on September 1, 2017

Imagine it's a warm Friday afternoon at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) and you're in uniform, eagerly waiting for the clock to hit 5 p.m. so you can get off-post and head home for a weekend of fun. You're probably thinking about all the activities and excursions you've planned, and most likely, they don't involve NBK's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program.

Yet NBKs robust MWR program offers an exhaustive list of leisure activities for servicemembers and their families, including off-post hiking and kayaking excursions, gardening classes, discount vacation packages, city passes and outdoor equipment rentals. The program is one of NBK's unintentionally best-kept secrets, but The Ranger is changing that today.

Pacific Edge Outfitters

Servicemembers and families looking to enjoy the great outdoors can head to Pacific Edge Outfitters for camping and backpacking equipment rentals (e.g., tents, stoves, sleeping bags, backpacks and boots) along with supplies for fishing, crabbing, shrimping, paddle boarding and biking.

"Along with the supplies, we have a team of expert guides and instructors who can teach you how to use all the equipment," said Beth Leone-Mullins, NBK's MWR manager. "Much of what we rent gives our patrons a chance to try an activity before they make the investment to buy the equipment."

With highly discounted excursion and equipment rental prices, Pacific Edge Outfitters allows servicemembers the chance to experience true Pacific Northwest living while staying within their budget.

NBK Leisure Travel

If you're hoping to get out of town for a weekend, NBK Leisure Travel can help you with discounted vacation packages, plane and cruise tickets, hotel accommodations and group tours. This program offers exclusive discounts to servicemembers and their families and can help you set up entire vacation packages ranging from luxury tours through places like Europe, New Zealand or Australia to bare-bones trekking excursions across South America.  

Community Recreation classes and activities

Sometimes there's nothing as satisfying as learning something new with your family by your side. Community Recreation classes and activities offers exactly that by giving servicemembers and their families access to hands-on classes in rock climbing, gardening, bowling, bike skills, paint n' sip events and hiking 101. Some of the newest activities offered include family campouts, open mic nights, small engine fix-it clinics and sea kayaking classes.

On-post entertainment

Is there anything as fun as a good old-fashioned date night at the movie theater or a round of golf with your friends on a crisp, Saturday morning? NBK offers servicemembers these simple pleasures at entertainment facilities sprinkled on and near the Naval base. Servicemembers can catch a movie at the Bangor Cinema Plus Theater or the Bremerton Recreation Center Movie Lounge or enjoy the Gallery Golf Course and the Olympic Lanes Bowling Alley.

Fitness, aquatics & sports

Don't underestimate the power of exercise to help you relax and unwind after a long week. NBK has fitness and aquatics centers spread out across the Kitsap Peninsula, including the Bangor Aquatics Center, Bremerton Aquatics Center, Keyport Fitness Center and Waterfront Fitness Center. NBK Intramural Sports are also scheduled throughout the year, allowing servicemembers and their families opportunities to sign up for intramural leagues and tournaments.

With the wealth of recreation services and activities available through NBK's MWR program, it's almost impossible to spend a weekend being bored at home.

For more info, visit navylifepnw.com/myffr.