Eglin and Hurlburt chosen to host Operation Purple summer camp

  • Published
  • By 96th Services Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The National Military Family Association announced today that Eglin Youth Programs along with Hurlburt Youth Programs 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 Eglin and Hurlburt 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."

The Eglin/Hurlburt camp is unique because it introduces teens (13 to 18 years old) to a "mission-concept", similar to what their parents will encounter during a deployment on active duty. They are introduced students to an actual in-processing procedure to include briefs on environment, local animals and insects, mission objective, ID cards, sleeping cots, and instilling the attitude of Team before self.

Plans include snorkeling, kayaking, swimming in a class 5 spring feed swimming areas, climbing, and many more items. Campers are introduced to conflict-resolution techniques and team-building skills. The campers will interact with active-duty members and have access to youth-trained professionals 24 hours per day.

The campers will learn how to use a compass and read maps,  work on the camping cooking skills and learn how to work as a team to accomplish a mission. They will be introduced to the idea that "team-synergy" can carry a person significantly farther than any one individual could accomplish.

The plan for OPERATION PURPLE Florida 08 is to present the many natural resources the Florida has to offer. There will be camping at four super state parks (Florida Caverns, Torreya, Holton, and Stephen Foster) which the organization hopes will leave a lasting impression of what the great outdoors has to offer, how each camper is a member of a larger society, and how their actions have a ripple effect on the world.

Each day we plan time for journaling, small-group discussions, eambuilding/recognition ceremonies and a chance to meet new friends!

Registration for Operation Purple Camp begins March 24. 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.

There are two camp dates for Operation Purple Florida 08; one 11, 12, and 13 June which is a training camp for mentors 16 to 18 years old. The other 18-25 June registration is for campers 13 to 15 years old.

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

For more information, contact Tony Jadin at 882-8212.