Free summer camp for children in Military Families

The National Military Family Association announced today that Camp Wartburg and Illinois OMK was chosen to host a popular Operation Purple ® Summer Camp in 2008.  NMFA developed this free summer camp program in response to the need for increased support for military children, especially those whose parents are or will be deployed.  

“Operation Purple ® Camps provide a much needed respite from the worries of war that many of our Nation’s children face each day their mom or dad is deployed. NMFA is excited to work with Camp Wartburg and Illinois OMK on this very worthwhile program,” said Nancy Alsheimer, NMFA Chairman of the Board. “Together we can make a difference in the lives of military children.”

Camp Wartburg and Illinois Operation Military Kids invite youth of military families to enjoy a fabulous camp getaway created especially for them from July 13-18, near Waterloo, Illinois.  In addition to traditional camp offerings we include caving, horseback riding, and canoeing.  A high ropes course challenges adventurous youth, and teambuilding opportunities are available for everyone with Group Initiative Courses interspersed throughout the camp grounds.  Operation Purple® Camp Illinois is where youth will form strong friendships with other military youth who know what it is like to have a parent serving our country.

Registration for Operation Purple ® Camp begins March 24, 2008. Applications will only be accepted online. Sign-up at www.operationpurple.org to receive email notices and camp updates. Each camp is “purple” and open to children of service members of any branch of Service, active duty, National Guard or Reserve, as well as children of members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

Camps are free to all eligible children thanks to a partnership with the Sierra Club Foundation and support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.