USS Constitution Sailors gave presentations about the history of "Old Ironsides" to children and their families at Camp Sunshine, Aug 23.

Camp Sunshine's goal is to create a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

"Having the opportunity of having a Navy Day here at camp and provide additional activities for these families and for these children is a great opportunity," said Michael Katz, Camp Sunshine's executive director.

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Rex Boblett, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Angela Careccia and Logistics Specialist Seaman Victor Lee participated in the Navy Day at Camp Sunshine as part of the Portland Navy Week.

"With USS Constitution Sailors being here, the children can just relax, have fun and be kids," said Katz. "The children can see the Sailors and their uniforms and it helps as far as letting the children learn and participate in a great activity."

Constitution Sailors educated the children and their families about the history of the Navy as well as showed them the tools and weapons that Sailors would have used while serving aboard "Old Ironsides".

"Volunteering at Camp Sunshine has been very rewarding," said Boblett. "Seeing the smiles and laughter coming from the kids is touching and the interaction that we've had been incredible."

Sailors assigned to Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat, undergo 20 weeks of naval history training to educate the five hundred thousand people that visit the ship each year. Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston

The primary purpose of the Navy Week program is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Portland Navy Week is showcasing the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provides residents the opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand.

For more information on Constitution, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.

For more news from USS Constitution, visit www.navy.mil/local/constitution.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO), visit www.navy.mil/.