Deployment Workshops, Programs and Services
- Adult Deployment Workshops
- Children's Deployment Workbooks and Parent Guide
- Children's Deployment Workshops
- Deployment Discussion Groups
- Deployment Drop-In Coffee Nights
- Deployment Respite Child Care
- Internet Access
- Military Family Identification Card
- Parenting from Afar
- Pre-Deployment and Reunification Briefings
- Pre-Deployment Packages
- Puppet Program
- Read Me a Bedtime Story
- Staying in Touch (SIT) Calls
- Stories from Sea
- Videoteleconferencing (VTC)
- Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Deployment Workshops
Deployment Workshops for Adults are designed to help military families deal with the adjustment of having a loved one away due to deployment. These workshops help explore some of the feelings and anxieties linked to the prolonged separations of a parent or partner. Sometimes, just knowing others share similar concerns, will help normalize and validate your experience of separation.
Preparing for Deployment
Understanding the emotional cycle of deployment can help you to prepare for an upcoming deployment and family change whether you feel you are prepared or not. This workshop is designed to help you adjusts to the various cycle of deployment and to cope with what often participants report as one of the most challenging time in a deployment. Visit your Family Network page to find date/times of upcoming workshops.
Return and Reunion Workshops
Are you interested in learning how to ensure a smoother transition back into family life for your spouse or partner returning from an overseas deployment? Military families have identified reunion as their most challenging time to manage. The MFRC and Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Pacific staff invite you to this information and discussion session designed to address your needs and concerns with family reunion.
Part 1: Discover useful techniques and tips to have a successful homecoming. Learn about the cycle of deployment and how it affects you and your family.
Part 2: Operational stress and the "Battle Ground" mindset can impact your reunion process. Having an understanding of the impact of transitioning from a theatre of war to everyday life is essential for your family - including your returning partner. This will include a showing of the Battlemind DVD, a highly acclaimed U.S. Army program used to help soldiers and families understand about adjustment post-tour.
For information about dates of upcoming workshops, visit your Upcoming Activities page.
Children's Deployment Workbooks and Parent Guide
Having trouble finding a workshop date or time that works for you? Do you live too far away from the MFRC to participate in the Children’s Workshops? Would you like to better support your child throughout their parent’s deployment? What about doing your own Children’s Deployment Workshops at home? We have developed Children’s Deployment Workbooks for children 3 to 12 years of age and an easy-to-use Parent Guide for the parent at home which includes tips and activities for the deployed parent. Stop by any MFRC location to pick up your copy today! Copies of these manuals are available to deployed members on their ships and electronically upon request. Deployment staff are available to assist you throughout the deployment with email support.
Children's Deployment Workshops
Deployment Workshops for Children help children adjust to a parent being away on deployment. Workshops offer an opportunity for children to interact with other children who are going through the same experience. These workshops will help validate your child's feelings about deployment. Workshops are available for children starting at pre-school age all the way to teens.
Visit your Upcoming Activities page to find date/times of upcoming workshops.
Deployment Discussion Groups
Are you interested in meeting with others to discuss the impact of deployment? Learn from other military families through discussion. Child care provided if booked in advance.
Topics include:
- Preparing for and Dealing with Deployment
- Making Connections
- Transitions
- Stress Busters
- Re-establishing Intimacy
- Return and Reintegration
Visit your Terra Firma Afghanistan Family Network page or the Upcoming Activities page to find date/times of upcoming workshops.
Deployment Drop-In Coffee Nights
Would you like to meet others preparing for or dealing with a deployment? Are you new to the area or military lifestyle? These evenings are provided as a social opportunity for people to connect and share over a cup of java! MFRC staff will be on hand to provide any requested information. Free child care provided if registered in advance.
Visit your Upcoming Activities page to find date/times of upcoming coffee nights.
Deployment Respite Child Care
Free Deployment Respite Child Care (for infants to school age) is available through the MFRC for one continuous 3 hour period per week up to a maximum of 4 sessions per month when a military parent is deployed (or away for work related reasons) for 28 consecutive days or more (21 days for MCDV members). Punch Cards (available at the MFRC) are used to keep track for the period during which each family can access the program. Parents must complete registration forms and follow established guidelines. This program is provided through MFRC fundraising dollars. If you have unique child care needs, call the MFRC at 250–363–2640.
Internet Access
The Esquimalt MFRC has designated computers at all locations where families affected by work-related separations can e-mail or access the internet. Staff are available to provide assistance, education and support using the computer, e-mailing, setting up a free email account and surfing the web.
Parenting from Afar
Stay connected with each other during deployment through the Parenting From Afar Program. Ask for the Parenting from Afar and Pregnancy and Newborn Package, available at the MFRC and on ships. Both parents can share the experience of learning about your growing baby. Packages includes handouts about how to support the at-home parent, parenting from a distance, pregnancy, breastfeeding and caring for your newborn. Call the MFRC at 250–363–2640 for information.
Pre-Deployment and Reunification Briefings
The Esquimalt MFRC and deploying unit offer a pre-deployment information session three to six weeks before the departure of a ship. Topics addressed are the sailing schedule, communication, special considerations, power of attorney, what to do in the event of an emergency, the cycle of deployment, common reaction and ways of coping while your loved one is away the multitude of services available at the Esquimalt MFRC, and preparing for homecoming.
Pre-Deployment Packages
Upon receiving the Family Network Contact Sheet, an information package will be sent to the person indicated on the form. The package includes a family handbook, information on preparing for deployment, Mission Information Line (as a link to MIL website), emergency childcare, CFMAP (as a link to CFMAP) a greeting letter, Family Network Information, tips for mailing care packages and manyother helpful resources.
Puppet Program - Pull My Strings!
Learn the skills of puppeteering and become part of the MFRC's Friends and Neighbours Puppet Program. The program uses life size puppets to teach children age 3 to 11 years how to cope with difficult issues about deployment and reunion. The MFRC also has a script on bullying.
Read Me a Bedtime Story
You can be part of your child's bedtime routine even while you are away. Before you depart, make a videotape of yourself reading a story or doing another activity. Your child can enjoy it when you're away. Age appropriate books and toys provided. Bring your own blank DVD. This program is free. Call 250–363–2640 to book an appointment.
Staying in Touch (SIT) Calls
The main purpose of the Staying in Touch (SIT) calls is to ensure that families of CF members remain connected to base and community resources and services during work related separations. This is not a counseling service nor is it the role of the SIT staff to give advice. Their role is to offer a friendly voice and a listening ear. All contacts are strictly confidential
Stories from Sea
Our “Read me a Bedtime Story” has taken to the high seas! Members onboard ships sailing for 4 months or more have a library of child-friendly books onboard to choose from and are able to record themselves reading from sea. Members then send the recording home and families can access the same books at our library located at the MFRC – CPAC so children can follow along with their parent’s recording. This program is free.
Videoteleconferencing
Stay connected with your loved one serving in Afghanistan through our VTC. Enjoy a conversation with your loved one in a comfortable, private office at CPAC. The VTC is scheduled through the deployed CF member. For information, call 250–363–2640.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities in this program, ranging from heading up a Family Network, coordinating social/recreational activities or assisting with casual childcare. Learn more about volunteering.
