THRIVE IN THE CULTURE
The most prominent myth of this duty station is that you’re in the middle of nowhere. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. In Twentynine Palms, you are in the middle of everything. Do you crave snowcapped mountains? Big Bear and Mount San Jacinto are only a short drive away. Are you longing to lay on the cool beach? Head over to the pristine beaches of Camp Pendleton. Maybe you just need a few hours of city lights. What better place than Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or San Diego, all within a three-hour drive!
Our Single Marine Program has more programs and trips than any other in the Corps. MCCS also hosts concerts and other events to keep you engaged. In the Main Exchange, be sure to visit Information Tickets & Tours, which provides a tremendous amount of information and discount tickets to places like Disneyland, San Diego Zoo and more. Or visit americanforcestravel. com for additional deals on all aspects of travel. Finally, sign up for MCCS’ Life in 29 eNewsletter that’s delivered twice a month. It’s loaded with suggestions on what to do with your time in the desert. Visit: www.bit.ly/lifein29
Make friends and get involved MCCS has an array of workshops, and group classes that give you an outlet to exercise your hobbies. Check out the MCCS Youth Sports program if you have children. The LifeSkills program offers regular workshops to help you become a stronger individual and a L.I.N.K.S. session will give you an inside view of the Corps.
Volunteer Do you like working with animals? Helping people? Playing with kids? Organizations both on and off base, such as the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross, Humane Society and Reach Out Morongo Basin need your help. Volunteering can also open doors to your dream job.
See the sites Joshua Tree National Park is only eight miles south of the base. This beautiful national treasure is worldrenowned for its rock climbing. The park covers nearly 800,000 acres and offers picturesque hiking and camping, not to mention bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, the threatened desert tortoise and numerous other reptiles and birds. While you’re here, you may also want to check out the Amboy Crater, Kelso Dunes, Aerial Tramway, Big Bear and the Mojave National Preserve’s Mitchell Caverns and Hole in the Wall. For those of you who prefer more culturally-engaging activities, check out live music at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, the Palm Springs Art Museum and Thursday night Villagefest, The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park and Gubler Orchids, to name a few.
Educate yourself Twentynine Palms is a great place to continue your education. The Education Center offers education counseling, testing and information to help you get started. National University, Copper Mountain College and Devry University also have offices on base where you can take evening and weekend classes. While stationed in California, you are eligible for the state tuition rate. Stop by for details.
Get a job Getting a job on or off base is a great way to help you thrive throughout your desert stay. MCCS and the Combat Center are two of the largest employers in the Morongo Basin. An array of positions are also available in the local community for those willing to persevere in their pursuit of a job. Be sure to visit the career Resource Office for local job listings, Microsoft Office Specialist training and help in preparing that winning resume. You can also visit mccs29palms.com to learn about applying for available MCCS positions.
