Recreational Opportunities Abound at Camp Pendleton

It's the perfect title for a program geared to provide Camp Pendleton personnel with recreational and leisure-time activities.

The Semper Fit Division of Marine Corps Community Services offers an extensive array of services, many of them free to active-duty Marines and sailors stationed at Pendleton.

Staying fit begins with the 13 state-of-the-art fitness centers that each offer free personal training. Group exercise classes, from Zumba to Total Body Workout, are popular, and stress-relief methods such as massage therapy and yoga are available.

"The group classes are popular right now," said fitness programs supervisor and former Marine Joe Artino. "Seven of our 13 facilities offer them and we have about 50 group exercise programs." He noted that lunchtime fitness circuits are a quick way to get in some exercise.

"We also have a one- and two-day combat conditioning course that is lecture-based as well as having practical applications," said Artino. "They learn things here that they can take back to their units."

Two of the fitness centers are also in the process of adding outdoor fitness facilities, with chin-up bars and similar equipment. "It will give everyone a little more space to train," Artino said.

The Health and Wellness Department of Semper Fit provides information
and guidance on many health-related topics, from physical fitness and nutrition to stress management and injury and disease prevention.

For golfers, a scenic par-72 course in the foothills at the end of Windmill Canyon Road offers a driving range, pro shop, restaurant, banquet room and bar, as well as private and group instruction, a men's and ladies golf club, and a junior program.

The Lake O’Neill Recreation Area features campsites with water, electricity, sewer hookups and tent camping. The Lake O'Neill Peninsula has picnic cabanas, barbecue grills and athletic facilities, and the lake itself is stocked for year-round fishing.

At the Del Mar Marina, boat enthusiasts can take sailing classes, rent kayaks, sailboats, powerboats and slips,  and enjoy sponsored cruises to locales such as Dana Point and Catalina.

Two pools at Camp Pendleton provide learn-to-swim instruction and adult swim lessons, plus recreational swimming, lap swimming and unit training. The 14 Area pool also provides lifeguard training and water safety instructor courses.

Join youth and adult leagues at the 40-lane bowling center, which also features plenty of billiard tables and an arcade room. Stepp Stables offers horseback riding, and the base has skeet and trap ranges for recreational shooting.

Semper Fit also has special events throughout the year, including a Fourth of July Beach Bash, concerts, mixed martial arts demonstrations, and motocross and BMX programs.

For information on many of the Semper Fit services, click the links below:

• Recreation Home
  • Arts & Crafts Hobby Shop
  • Athletics
  • Beaches
  • Bowling
  • Fitness Centers
  • Golf Course
  • Health Promotion
  • Information, Tickets & Tours
  • Lake O'Neill
  • Marina
  • Pools, Swimming, Scuba
  • Race Series
  • Recreation Checkout
  • Single Marine Program
  • Skeet & Trap Shooting
  • Stepp Stables
  • Ticket, Tours, Travel

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