Annual Trunk or Treat

Event on Camp Murray provides safe trick-or-treating experience

By Gary Lott on November 3, 2016

Military families had a spooky good time trick-or-treating with their fellow military and community members on Camp Murray right before Halloween.

The Washington National Guard Child & Youth Services Program held their annual Trunk or Treat and Carnival event for hundreds of attendees on Camp Murray, Oct. 29.

This event has become a staple in the military community as a safe experience to trick-or-treat with the entire family.

"The Camp Murray Trunk or Treat has become an annual event for our family because it is a safe, fun and a friendly environment that we know our children will enjoy," said former Air Force member, Andrea Wynne, who attended the event with her active-duty Air Force husband (20+ years of service) and their children.  "It is special to us because the creative costumes, trunk decorations and games never disappoint!"

Washington National Guard Child & Youth Services staff were joined by dozens of volunteers and military community partners to put together the myriad of trunk decorations, carnival-style games, complimentary apple cider and hot dogs (provided by the National Guard Association of Washington and Vic's Espresso and Eats) and more.

"We appreciate all of the hard work of everyone involved," said Wynne.

This Trunk or Treat event ensures that the younger members of the Washington National Guard family and other military branches, can connect with one another and learn how to have a safe Halloween.

"The Trunk or Treat event allows for us to provide an opportunity to our youngest National Guard youth," said Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator for the Washington National Guard Child & Youth Program, Robbin Seeberger.

Having the ability to not only enjoy all of the smiling faces, but to also stay current with the many families that they serve throughout the year, is just another successful lasting impact for this event.

"It is so much fun helping them to understand the trick-or-treat process, plus the costumes are super cute as well," added Seeberger.  "Trunk or Treat provides a no-pressure event for us to connect with our families and check in with them."

This event's success wouldn't be possible without the many military-supporting organizations that volunteer their time, trunks and candy to provide a memorable experience for military families.

"We have some organizations who come out, decorate their trunks, and share resources info with our families," added Seeberger.  "This year's event wouldn't have been possible without the generosity and assistance from organizations like Pierce County Library, Give an Hour, RP/6, Vic's Espresso and Eats, National Guard Association of Washington, and even a couple of the National Guard units that set up trunks to hand out candy."

This year's Trunk or Treat event on Camp Murray brought more than 250 attendees.  Similar events are also held in Spokane, Marysville and Port Orchard.

An importance on younger ranked servicemembers to attend has always been a focal point, but shining light on the lasting impacts from having higher ranking members attend is just as important.

"Leaders need to be with their troops," said 1st Squadron 303rd Cavalry Regiment CSM Brian Rikstad, who typically brings his entire family out to the various events taking place throughout the year. "We break bread with them, we share stories, we show them our families, our success, our failures and most importantly ... we show them our faithfulness."

Missed out on all of the fun and candy from this year?

Washington National Guard Child & Youth Services is always looking for more people to volunteer and join them for Trunk or Treat and for other events throughout the year.

"The more volunteers and organizations, the merrier!" said Seeberger.

If interested in getting involved in future Trunk or Treat events, the Holiday Magic Santa's Workshop event, springtime Easter events, or any of the other events throughout the year, contact the National Guard Child & Youth Program's youth coordinators at 253.512.7985 or by emailing Robbin.a.seeberger.ctr@mail.mil and/or James.n.goodman.ctr@mail.mil.