Families put brains together in escape room challenge

In the movies, special agents make daring escapes and live incredible adventures. But, one doesn’t have to be a special agent or movie character to take part in some adventure. Service members with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) of Lejeune-New River had the chance to do an escape room challenge at the EFMP Escape Room and Spook House at AS 112, Bancroft St. on Marine Corps Air Station New River, Oct. 18.

“We wanted to do something fun that attracted the whole family,” said Daryl Witt, EFMP Training, Education, and Outreach specialist. “Whether it’s couples, young kids or teenagers, we wanted to put on an event where everyone could have a good time.”

According to Witt, the EFMP originally was going to arrange a more traditional event for the Halloween season. However, a staff member who had went to an escape room suggested one. With around 200 registered participants, the event was considered a tremendous success by the EFMP.

“There is an escape room for adults and older children and an area just for children,” said Witt. “We have had such incredible engagement from our families throughout this event. It has been a lot of fun for all of us.”

The escape room consisted of challenges with scientific, mathematical and puzzle-based themes. Participants had an allotted amount of time to go through the challenges and escape the room. In addition to the escape room, representatives from available resources were present to interact with parents and provide refreshments and entertainment to families.

“I liked that it was very kid-friendly,” said Gunnery Sgt. Thummper Garcia, father of three sons in attendance. “The kids got to engage their senses and utilize teamwork. They had a lot of fun.”

The event also provided an opportunity for families to network with each other in a relaxed, recreational environment. Children were able to socialize with one another while solving the challenges together.

“I loved that there was a variety of groups,” said Vanessa Garcia, mother of three sons and wife of Gunnery Sgt. Garcia. “For children with special needs, it is important for them to experience different things with other children who understand them.”

For more information on the EFMP, visit www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/efmp.