About Operation Purple Summer Camps
Each summer, the National Military Family Association offers summer camps to children of deployed military members free of charge through its Operation Purple program. The goal of these camps is to impart the message to our nation's youngest heroes that "Kids Serve Too." Camps are open to military children of all ranks and services: active and reserve components. The program helps military kids experience carefree fun while learning coping skills to deal with war-related stress and fostering relationships with other kids in similar situations.
What started with 12 camps hosting nearly 1,000 children in 2004 has grown into a nationwide program with camps in most of the highly-impacted military communities. This year, the National Military Family Association will host nearly 90 weeks of Operation Purple Summer Camp at 62 locations in 37 states and territories. Since Operation Purple's implementation, the Association has sent more than 20,000 military kids to camp for free.
About the National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthen and protect the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded, or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information they need, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs to improve their lives. Our 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation’s leaders. To learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.
Operation Purple Impressions
- “I was very excited to hear that there are people back home who care about our loved ones left behind by our deployments. I think my daughters would benefit greatly from this time, being with others who share a common interest. Their grades have fallen and there is tension between them, I know my not being home has added a great deal of stress on them and their father.”
- Army Soldier currently serving in Iraq
- “The best thing about camp was how everyone was different but we were all military kids, so we all fit in!”
- Operation Purple camper, age 10
- “My heart went out to these young children as they stood in front of a group of cadets they had only known for 24 hours and divulged their feelings of what their home life was like not having a parent home. Their friends back home didn’t understand...”
- Civilian volunteer at Operation Purple camp
- “I was awestruck when I visited the camp to see the campers, who just days before had been strangers, encouraging and helping one another. These kids bonded quickly and were given the opportunity to learn stress coping strategies, learn a little about military culture, and most of all have fun and make new friends. Thank you for your support and dedication to the youth of America’s military, our future!”
- Air Force Officer
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