Spring break is over for many of you, which means your kiddos are likely counting the days until summertime is here! Summer can mean a lot of things for military families – PCSing, trips to see family, and summer camp!
So what is Operation Purple Camp? It’s a free week of camp for military kids with a wounded, ill, or injured parent, or a parent who has been deployed in the last 15 months.
Operation Purple was created by the National Military Family Association (NMFA) back in 2004 and since then has helped 55,000 kids spend time just being a kid. At NMFA we know that Military Kids Serve, Too®, which is the whole reason Operation Purple was created.
Our nation’s military kids experience stressors most kids, and even adults, never have to experience. Frequent moves, time away from their parent (or parents), and the uncertainty that comes with military life can put a lot of pressure on them.
That’s why Operation Purple Camp is the perfect camp for them! They will get to spend a week with other military kids just like them, who really know what it’s like to be part of a military family.
We’ve heard so many great things from past campers, but our favorite is this: “When I’m at Operation Purple Camp, I know the other kids have moms and dads that are deployed, too. We’re all strong for each other.”
So how do I know if my family qualifies this year?
Does your family have a service member returning from a deployment, gearing up to deploy, or finding a new normal after an injury? Then Operation Purple is perfect for your military kid.
When your military kid attends Operation Purple Camp, they’ll thrive in an environment with fully trained counselors and camp staff experienced in helping children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life.
When military members serve, their families serve with them. Operation Purple gives military kids a week to put the stresses of military life behind and just be a kid.
The unforgettable experience teaches resiliency and coping skills, and offers an opportunity for them to bond with other kids going through the same experiences. You’ll never forget the pride on their face when they return home from camp, and they’ll never forget this amazing experience.
Is the camp you are applying for full? You can always check back next year, or see if there is a camp in a different state that may not be too far away.
