Signups for Operation Purple Camp end May 5

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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 May 5 with selections beginning May 12. Once the camps are full, registrations will end, but if a camp is not filled, registrations may be extended.

The week-long program is open to all military children who have completed the seventh grade and are between the ages of 12 and 16. 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. The camp also allows children to meet others experiencing the same situations they are dealing with.

"It's an opportunity with experiences that many of the children never get," said Diana Lawson, 366th Services Squadron youth programs director. "When parents deploy, their children 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."

While any child can sign up, priority is given to those who have a family household member deployed between May 2007 and November 2008. Each child may only attend one camp each year. Mountain Home AFB's camp will run from August 10 to 16 at Cascade Lake in Donnelly, Idaho. Children will be dropped off and picked up at the base youth center.

"They get to make connections with other children 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."

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.

"It's nice to come to a place where everyone understands what you're going through because they're going through it too," said Cherisse Cano, a daughter of a U.S. Army reservist who attended last year's camp.

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.