The National Military Family Association is providing children in military families with the opportunity to enjoy their summer among peers with similar experiences, according to 10 WBNS. With military families always on the move, children are often changing residences and need to adjust to new places and new friends, explaining their life story each time. Creating a summer camp just for military children, kids can enjoy their time together knowing that their experiences are understood while having fun outdoor adventures together.
Called Operation Purple Camp, named for the color that symbolizes all who serve, the camp is offered to military children for one week over the summer for free. The camp began in 2004 and has served over 68,000 military kids since then. At the camp, children can connect with others while enjoying the full camp experience with outdoor activities such as ropes courses, canoeing, swimming, archery, and wall climbing. The camp is staffed by trained counselors who know how to help children experiencing stress that comes with military life.
There are many Operation Purple Camps operating throughout the country. This year, with a generous donation from Bob Evans Farms through their “Our Farms Salutes” program of $60,000, the camp was able to host an additional 100 kids, according to 10 WBNS. According to Marissa Wilson from Bob Evans Farms, “this may be their only extra-curricular activity in a given year because of how often they’re changing schools and moving around. They may have a parent, one or two parents, who may be deployed at different periods of time,” which is why giving to this cause is so special.
Serving the children of those who sacrifice all for our country and our freedom is important and reminds them that they are loved, cared for, and supported. Operation Purple Camp offers children and families a chance to connect with others who have similar experiences, allowing them to enjoy their time spent together without needing to explain their circumstances. From ziplining to archery to campfires, Operation Purple Camp takes our military children on the ultimate summer adventure creating special memories they can take with them wherever they go.