Free Camps for Military Kids

Registration for Operation Purple runs until May 1.

You can find 2007 camp locations here and applications here.

What is this camp and who is it for?  Read more...

Operation Purple

Many children are experiencing multiple deployments or have more than one parent or family member deployed. The stories from those who attended Operation Purple summer camps offer a glimpse of the heavy emotional and psychological burden that falls on the sons and daughters of service members. The goal of these free summer camps is to bring together youth who are experiencing some stage of a deployment and the stress that goes along with it. Operation Purple camps give kids the coping skills and support networks of peers to better handle life’s ups and downs.

This year more than 40 weeks of camps will be held at 34 locations in 26 states. The camps’ outreach programs provide the skills and positive outlets for their feelings, but it’s the camaraderie campers are able to build with one another that’s so important. Learning coping skills, making new friends, and experiencing life lessons at an early age are what make Operation Purple camps so unique.

Also this year:  Operation Purple Camp for Children of Wounded Service Members

Comments

[Jenn H]

My daughter went to Operation Purple last year in Alaska and she came home with a whole new perspective on her father's job (he was deployed at the time), and better coping skills as regards any absence by her dad. I HIGHLY recommend this camp!

We are PCS'ing this summer and she wanted to be able to go to Operation Purple at our next duty station, but the age limit at the camp nearest to where we'll be is different than in Alaska and she'll miss the age cut-off by 1 year.....

[Monique]

Jenn H. Make sure you tell that to the National Military Family Association! They depend on grants to fund those camps and the grantmakers need to know what kids are getting out of Operation Purple ;)