Signups for Operation Purple Camp ends April 20

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  In 2004, Operation Purple Camp was created by the National Military Family Association to help military children deal with a parent's deployment.

This year, the camp will be held in 62 locations throughout 37 states and territories. Mountain Home Air Force Base Youth Programs will host one of the camps.

The deadline to sign up for any camp is April 20. Once the camps are full, registrations will end, but if a camp is not filled, registrations may be extended. Mountain Home AFB usually takes registrations through May.

The week-long program is open to all military teens between the ages of 13 and 17. It's designed to help boys and girls learn coping skills to deal with issues related to their parent's deployment while taking part in carefree fun.

"They get to make connections with other teens in the same situation and make lasting friendships," said Mrs. Lawson. "They will talk with adults who have been deployed and can ask any questions they may not be comfortable asking their parents."

While any teen can sign up, priority is given to those who have a family household member deployed between May 2008 and November 2009. Each youth may only attend one camp each year. Mountain Home AFB's camp will run from Aug. 9 to 15 at Cascade Lake in Donnelly, Idaho.

"It's an opportunity with experiences that many of the youth never get," said Diana Lawson, 366th Services Squadron youth programs director. "When parents deploy, their teens may feel like they need to step into the parent's role. This is a time for them to get away and just have fun without those responsibilities."

Operation Purple Camp Idaho is an outdoor adventure and camping expedition. Participants will get the opportunity to rock climb, white-water raft, canoe and hike among many other activities, which are designed to help the boys and girls build positive relationships, gain leadership and teambuilding skills and challenge themselves.

"I think OPC is really cool because it's a whole week for me; I get to hang out and be a 'regular' teenager with other kids going through the same things I am," said Colby Hall, whose dad is in the Air Force.

To register for an Operation Purple Camp, visit www.nmfa.org and click on "Youth Initiatives" on the left-hand side of the page. On the next page, click the "Operation Purple" button followed by the "Click Here to Register Today" button.

For more information or to volunteer, call Mrs. Lawson at 828-2501.