Children of active duty servicemembers and veterans experience difficulties that their peers may not have to deal with. They go through long periods without one of their parents, and this can sometimes mean they have to assume more responsibility than other children their age. AFBA has compiled a list of camps for military children where they can relax and be with other kids who understand what they are going through.
1. American Wanderer Summer Camp
Children of active duty personnel and veterans who are between the ages of 11 to 17 have a chance to camp out and explore the national parks in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. For two weeks, campers are able to enjoy the wilderness and bond with children of other military personnel.
2. Camp Corral
Founded in 2011, Camp Corral has served over 6,500 children of active and former military servicemembers. Kids aged 8 to 15 have the opportunity to spend a week engaged in outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. The camp also offers counseling sessions and group therapy.
3. Military Teen Adventure Camps
These camps, which take place in a variety of locations across the nation, are designed for older children of military personnel. Military teens ages 14-18 can bond and participate in archery, rock climbing, backpacking and whitewater rafting.
4. Operation Purple Camp
This camp is specifically for children who have a military parent who is about to be or is currently deployed. Operation Purple Camp is designed to help children cope with the pressures and stresses of dealing with a parent's deployment in a safe, fun environment.
5. Air Force Space Camp
For 12- to 18-year-olds with an active duty military parent, the Air Force Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, is a great distraction during deployment. Campers will get the chance to participate in things like simulated Space Shuttle missions, rocket building and launches, training simulators, scientific experiments and discussions on the past, present and future of space exploration.
6. Camp C.O.P.E.
Offering therapy sessions and alternative coping methods, Camp C.O.P.E. was created to help children of active duty servicemembers, veterans and fallen military personnel find healthy outlets for their emotions. This weekend-long camp is free for military children.
7. HomeFront Equestrians, Inc.
This camp is for military children and their families. It allows them to relax and enjoy themselves while engaging in horseback riding and equestrian bonding. The camp also offers leadership courses and horsemanship classes.
8. Sisters Under Sail
Girls aged 13-18 who are members of the Daughters of U.S. Military and Canadian Forces can participate in this camp. Daughters of military personnel will learn leadership, bonding and coping as they learn to sail on the Great Lakes.
9. The First Tee
This program was created to teach teens the value of hard work and how to make healthy life choices. There is a specific camp for children of active duty military personnel and veterans where they learn to release their stress through the game of golf.
10. Camp Trotter
Located 7 miles east of Newaygo, Michigan, Camp Trotter is the VFW's program to assist children of military veterans. The calming environment along the shores of Lake Michigan is the perfect place for children to learn about things like post-traumatic stress disorder and how to deal with changes in their parents. Campers are also given the chance to be carefree while boating, swimming and hiking.
Being children of active duty military personnel or veterans can be difficult. Situations like deployment and issues like post-traumatic stress disorder can put a strain on military children. The camps above give these kids a chance to let loose and bond with other children in similar situations. For more camp options, check with your local base or VFW.