Celebrate the U.S. Coast Guard with LEGO® City

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Don’t miss these awesome new Coast Guard LEGO City sets, commemorating the 227th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard. They bring ocean rescues into your home.

We were recently sent the Coast Guard LEGO® City “Sea Plane Rescue” set in return for our honest review. Every opinion stated is 100% mine – and Jansen’s.

This year’s summer break is drawing to a close. We, (along with every other family across the nation) are trying to squeeze as much fun as possible out of every moment. Jansen, our fearless Patriot asked to go to the pool this weekend – so of course we obliged.

“Mama, watch THIS!” his little voice carried well across the empty pool. I had “watched this” about 38 times already, but I happily looked up as he once again showed me how his LEGO@ boat was able to stay afloat for a brief moment.

Our five-year old, is what you would call an old soul. From the day the kid could speak, he has expressed a deep desire to serve his country in some capacity when he grows up. Recently, his fascination with the U.S. service men turned towards the U.S. Coast Guard, and naturally so. We live in a coastal community in South Florida with one of the most beautiful landmarks the area has to offer: the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. It is only naturally for our kids to grow up loving and respecting our waterways.

August 4th marks the 227th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. National Coast Guard Day is celebrated across the country at the various Coast Guard Stations. If you live near one of their locations, plan to visit on August 4th. Meet some of the great servicemen and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and learn about their responsibilities of saving lives at sea and enforcing the nation’s maritime laws.

LEGO recently announced their lineup of Coast Guard inspired LEGO City sets, to commemorate the 227th birthday of the highly respected U.S. Coast Guard.

Cool sets from @LEGO_Group, celebrating the 227th #birthday of the @USCG! #KeepBuilding Click To Tweet

In usual fashion, the LEGO sets feature a number of fun small details.

Coast Guard LEGO City Sets: 

1. Coast Guard Starter Set (76 pieces; Ages 5+):
   This small set has just the right amount of pieces and features to keep the younger kids entertained. The shark vs. the surfer is a combination of villain vs. good guy that never gets old.
2. Sea Plane Rescue (141 pieces; Ages 5+):
   We received this set from LEGO, and I was beaming with pride, as our 5-year old built the whole set BY HIMSELF! This was one of the first “big boy” sets that he completed without my assistance (other than ensuring the stickers went on straight!)
   The sea plan as a great back hatch to store the water scooter and the rescue raft adds a great element of drama to the set. Our kids have played for hours with this set at the pool and at home in our backyard.
3. 4×4 Response Unit (347 pieces; Ages 5+):
   There are a number of great features on this set, but the one I wish to highlight more than the others is the fantastic octopus. Seriously, the dramatic play made possible by adding this unexpected sea creature is amazing.
4. Heavy-duty Rescue Helicopter (415 pieces; Ages 6+):
   Of course the shark in this set takes the lead role. The helicopter is full of moving parts: spinning rotor, rotating crane arm with winch, sliding doors – everything your little one needs to create a dramatic story at sea.
5. Coast Guard Headquarters(792 pieces; Ages 6+):
   This is on Jansen’s birthday list, if you should feel so inclined. (He asked me to add that to the post!) It comes with SEVEN minifigures and countless accessories perfect for hours upon hours of creative free play.

While your kid can act out “real life” rescue missions with their Coast Guard inspired LEGO sets, below are additional ways for you to teach your kids about the highly regarded military branch.

These U.S. Coast Guard history lessons, for kids in Kindergarten through 4th grade, are perfect for teachers and homeschooling parents alike. The wonderful resources are free for the public to access and use.

Fun lessons to teach your child (K through 4th grade) about the US Coast Guard and the Jupiter Lighthouse:

Teacher’s guide: Lessons about Lighthouses, for K – 4th grades

Teacher’s guide: Lessons about the history of the US Coast Guard

Teacher’s guide: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse: Florida Science and Technology of the 19th Century, for 4th grade 

Teacher’s guide: Pre-Columbian Florida, for 4th grade

 

 

Before the summer is over, we have promised Jansen a trip to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which may very well become one of the highlights of his summer.

Thank you, LEGO® for giving us an opportunity to teach our son about the U.S. Coast Guard through imaginary play and creative story-telling. LEGO® and the U.S. Coast Guard to the rescue – once again!