Community Carnival Prepares Bremerton Students for New School Year

August 2025

On a sunny Saturday in August, Bremerton families gathered at the fifth annual “Back to School Carnival” to get ready for the upcoming school year. From the time the doors opened, the event was bustling with families picking up backpacks filled with school supplies and stopping by for a visit with local physicians and dental providers for back-to-school education, exams and immunizations. Beyond these much-needed resources, the day was packed with family fun, with children enjoying a bouncy house, snow cones, and exploring a fire truck.

Hosted by the Marvin Williams Recreation Center and supported by a number of community partners, the carnival was created to support local families that need it most. The most recent Kitsap County Community Health Needs Assessment identified challenging health outcomes in Bremerton and revealed disparities that impact residents' success in education, family life, health, wellness, and resilience.

During the event, Dr. Lillian Robertson, executive director of the Marvin Williams Recreation Center, spoke about the event's significance, stemming from the vision of the center's founder, the late Bishop Larry Robertson. Bishop Robertson envisioned a dedicated space where children and families could gather to enrich their well-being.

“Bishop Robertson always wanted to make sure that kids had the opportunity to have everything they needed before they went back to school,” she noted. “Not just in terms of pens, but socially and emotionally feeling like they’re ready, strong, and excited for the adventure ahead.”

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) partnered with Kitsap Public Health District to provide immunizations and school supplies for children. VMFH family medicine residents also helped educate families on wellness and nutrition. Dentistry and other educational services were offered at the event as well.

“It’s really important for kids to be conscious about health from an early age,” Dr. Stephen Ward, a VMFH family medicine resident, shared. “So many of the choices that matter most for our health happen when we’re kids.”

The event represents a collective community effort with partners including VMFH and its Family Medicine Residency program, Delta Dental, Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center, House of Hope, Kitsap Fire & Rescue, among others.

Sahar Ravine, who attended the event with her family, shared her appreciation for the needed support. “Money is tight right now, and not only did I receive a  backpack but there were a bunch of supplies inside,” she said. Ravine also appreciated the on-site vaccinations for families who may otherwise lack access.

With hundreds of families attending, organizers are hoping to expand the “Back to School Carnival” even more next year.