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Great Lakes Morale, Welfare & Recreation

Monthly Newsletter for July 2026

 

July is officially here, and your ultimate summer vibe has arrived! We are cranking up the excitement all month long. For more information on any program go to our website navylifegl.com. To register for any program Click Here


MWR’s 6th Annual Back to School Giveaway

Thurs., July 23 from 4-6:30 PM

Epicenter, B525

Open to: All Hands

Registration Preferred: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html

  • FREE Backpacks
  • FREE School Supplies
  • FREE Chicago Wolves Hockey Tickets
  • FREE Genessee Theater Tickets
  • FREE Movie ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ plus a FREE Popcorn & Soda
  • FREE Cosmic Bowling (only pay for shoe rental!)
  • SPINZ Meal Specials, and more!
  • While supplies last!

Sponsored by: Operation Homefront, Kids Rank, USAA, United Through Reading, First Command, Great Wolf Lodge, Navy Federal Credit Union, TelemyND, Chicago Police, Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
No Navy Endorsement Implied.


Lakefront Concert – Latin Pop Night

Fri., July 17 from 5-8 PM

Beach House, B10 (along the lakefront)

Come down to the Beach House to groove to some Latin tunes and dance the night away! The concert is free and open to All Hands.

Registration Preferred: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html

Sponsored by: Kids Rank 
No Navy Endorsement Implied.


Need Diapers or Period Supplies? We Can Help

Keeping Families Covered proudly supports Naval Station Great Lakes and we've partnered together to help active-duty service members get access to FREE hygiene products you, your family, and your community need.

 

We're hosting exclusive pantries this summer:
Forrestal Village Chapel Parking Lot from 4:30-5:15 PM
(1830 Ohio Ave, Great Lakes, IL, 60088)

  • Wed., July 15, & Wed., Aug. 12

Where to Start: KeepingFamiliesCovered.org

Register for our mobile pantries by visiting our website. Complete the one-time registration (required) at least 24 hours in advance of your first pantry visit. Come monthly for FREE diapers, period products, and incontinence supplies.

Sponsored by: Keeping Families Covered
No Navy Endorsement Implied.


Outdoor Movie: Christmas in July

HOME ALONE

Fri., July 31 from 8-10 PM on the Galley Field

‘Tis the season! We’ll have plenty of holiday cheer (cards, snowflake making & popcorn bar) as we watch ‘Home Alone’ at our Christmas in July celebration. Bring your blanket or chair. Free! Open to All Hands!

Registration Preferred: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html

 


Marina & Sailing Program

Basic Sailing Course

Register today for the last Basic Sailing Course of the summer!

  • Class Dates: Aug. 13, 6-9pm | Aug. 14, 6-9pm | Aug. 15, 9am-3pm | Aug. 16, 9am-Noon 

Class information: https://www.navylifegl.com/activity/0757db48-c340-416b-b8c2-fb61be27af78

Registration Required: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html


Community Recreation Drop-In Program:
Crepe Paper Butterflies: July 1-31

Flutter on down to the marina and create your own colorful crepe butterfly! Supplies provided. Open to everyone. Stop by the Community Rec Office & Marina, B13 between 8:30am- 4:30pm, Tues.-Sat. for a new craft each month!

Registration Preferred: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html


MWR Library, B617

Hours : Mon., Wed., Fri.: 10 AM–6 PM

Library Programs & Digital Resources

  • 2026 Summer Reading Program (Plant a Seed, Read): July 1 – September 4. Readers of all ages can earn free prizes just for reading! Register at nsglibrary.beanstack.com.
  • Library Events: Join us for Arts & Crafts, STEAM, and Storytime. Discover the full summer schedule at nsglibrary.beanstack.com.
  • DoD Digital Library: Access thousands of digital resources including ebooks, audiobooks, music, publications, exam preparation, and language classes. Visit dodmwrlibraries.org or dodlibraries.org.

Fitness, Sports, and Aquatics

All programs are free for eligible patrons unless noted.

Register required for all Fitness Programs: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html

Fitness Events

  • Barbells and BBQ: 
    Wed., July 1 | 11 AM – 6:30 PM @ the Fit Pit. A full day of lifting, eating, competition, and camaraderie. 
    Sponsored by: 1st CommandNo Navy Endorsement Implied.
     
  • Mission Nutrition Course:
    Wed., July 8 | 8 AM – 4 PM @ Bldg 2A Fitness Center. A standardized, science-based course focused on improving your nutritional knowledge.
     
  • Ice Cream Bubble Run 5K / 1.5 Mile Walk:
    Thurs., July 16 | 12:30 – 2 PM @ Nunn Beach. A refreshing fun run for all! 
    Sponsored By: TELEMYND, Dave & Busters, Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. No Navy endorsement implied.
     
  • NOFFS Strength Course:
    Tues., July 28 | 7:30 – 9:30 AM @ Bldg 4 Courts Plus. Develop the strength you need to perform at your best.
     
  • Command Fitness Leader (CFL) Course:
    July 27 – July 31 | Application Deadline: July 10, 2026 (CDP: 08J7). Open to Active-Duty personnel nominated through their Chain of Command. Send packets to: usn.ncr.cnicwashingtondc.mbx.cfl-training@us.navy.mil. Application Assistance.

Aquatics

  • Nunn Beach is OPEN:
    Fri., Sat. & Sun. | Noon – 6 PM
     
  • Swim Lessons (6-Week Session):
    July 7 – August 15 (Tues., Thurs., Sat.). Classes offered: Parent & Child, Preschool 1&2, Youth 1&2, Teen/Adult 1&2.

Sports Leagues & Tournaments

  • Old Timer’s Home Run Derby:
    Wed., July 1 | 11 AM – 1 PM @ Softball Field. Open to all base personnel ages 30 & over. Slo-pitch format, 10 outs per batter. "BYOP" (Bring Your Own Pitcher).
     
  • Open Kickball:
    July 7, 8 & 9 | 11 AM – 1 PM @ Softball Field. Enjoy the sunshine and play kickball with friends!
     
  • Captain’s Cup Flag Football League:
    Mandatory Coaches Meeting on Tues, July 7 at 5 PM @ Bldg 440. League play begins Tues, July 14. Compete by Command/Barracks to earn points towards the 2026 Captain’s Cup.
    Sponsored By:USAA. No Navy endorsement implied.

 

Fitness Class Schedule: 

https://www.navylifegl.com/modules/media/?do=inline&id=531740f1-f84b-4888-b283-046bd06d9d31

 

24/7 Facility Access in Bldg. 440 and Bldg. 4 Details: 

https://www.navylifegl.com/programs/1bcd3cb2-8d7b-4180-ae12-1c76c9327fda


Tickets & Travel

Community Rec Office & Marina, Bldg. 13
Appointments: Call 847-688-5417

Make your next vacation extraordinary with special offers from our Tickets & Travel office.

  • Universal Studios: Step into your favorite movies, enjoy thrilling rides, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
  • Hornblower Cruises: Discover Chicago from the water! Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, delicious dining, and unforgettable experiences on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
  • LEGOLAND Florida: Build unforgettable memories with exciting rides, interactive attractions, and incredible LEGO-themed adventures perfect for young builders.

Epicenter Entertainment Complex, Bldg. 525

Open to All Hands: Bowling • Movies • Legends Sports Club • SPINZ Deli

 

FREE Advanced Screening of 'The ODYSSEY' (R)

  • Sat., July 11 at 6:30 PM at the Epicenter Theater

Movies

Bowling Specials:

  • $2 Tuesdays from 5-9 PM ($2 games and $2 shoe rental)

Nightlife & Entertainment Line-up

Karaoke on Thursdays: 7-9:30 PM

DJ Nights on Fridays and Saturdays: 8-11 PM

  • 7/3 (Fri): Open Format Mix
  • 7/4 (Sat): Pop/Dance Bangers
  • 7/10 (Fri): 90's/00's Classic Hits
  • 7/11 (Sat): Top 40 Mix
  • 7/17 (Fri): Reggae/Latin Vibes
  • 7/18 (Sat): Dance Music Mix
  • 7/24 (Fri): Hip Hop Bangers
  • 7/25 (Sat): Line Dance Hits
  • 7/31 (Fri): Mashup the Hits

Liberty Program – The Loft

Building 2A (3rd Deck)
Eligibility: Active Duty E1–E6

July Liberty Trips

Registration Required: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html

  • Museum of Ice Cream (Chicago)
    Sun., July 12 from Noon – 8 PM | Register by: 7/10/2026
  • Space Exploration Day (Adler Planetarium)
    Sat., July 25 | Noon – 8 PM | Register by: 7/24/2026
  • Botanical Gardens (Highland Park)
    Sun., July 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM | Register by: 7/24/2026

Full Calendar: https://www.navylifegl.com/programs/b94015aa-f56c-4a7f-8df5-aa7c6b4b828a


MWR Gear Rental Highlight

Community Rec Office & Marina, Bldg. 13
Hours: Tues.-Sat. from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

 

Our Gear Rental Program has everything you need for a fun-filled camping weekend, offering tents, grills, and outdoor equipment. Looking for extra excitement? Test your accuracy at our archery range or grab our kayaks and canoes for your next water sport adventure.

 

Rental Center Brochure (link): https://www.navylifegl.com/modules/media/?do=inline&id=42afeaf1-7fde-4ea4-be8a-775c080061bb


Ongoing Services

Marina:
Summer dry storage and launch permits are available. Reserve your space today. 847-688-5417 | GRLKMWRRECREATION@US.NAVY.MIL

 

RV Park:
Plan your staycation at the Naval Station Great Lakes RV Campground this summer! Enjoy scenic lakefront relaxation, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to base amenities for weekend getaways or extended stays. 847-688-6763 | 877-NAVY-BED | dodlodging.net

 

Vehicle Storage:
Need a secure spot for your RV, trailer, boat, or extra vehicle? Our convenient 24/7 storage lots located within housing keep your vehicles safe and accessible year-round.
https://www.navylifegl.com/programs/042c7787-3fc0-4b59-8ff8-4decc3651bfb

 

Veterans Memorial Golf Course, Bldg. 8400

  • Course Maintenance & Enhancements: Our new leadership team is focused on elevating the player experience through fairway and rough maintenance improvements, green enhancement plans, and overall course upgrades.
  • Pro Shop & Hospitality: Check out our bigger, better merchandise selection (selling fast!) paired with our friendly, first-class customer service.
  • wilight Golf Fees: One of the best values in the region! Available all day, seven days a week (cart fees additional per rider). Click to see Twilight Rates

Buckley's Clubhouse Now Open

Stop by before or after your round for great food and drinks!

  • Mon. & Tues.: 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Wed., Thurs., & Fri.: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM – 4 PM

Great Lakes Brew Club, Bldg. 140

Kick back with craft brews and lakefront views. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 4-10 PM

  • 20+ rotating brews
  • Games, music, and relaxed atmosphere

Employment Opportunities

Now hiring full-time and part-time positions.

 


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Commander, Navy Installations Command, 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055