Operation Purple® Camp Application Period Open for Military Children

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its popular Operation Purple® Camps. Going 10 years strong, the Association developed this free summer camp program to support military children, ages 7-17, dealing with the stress of war and deployment. Each camp is "purple" and open to children of active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Submit your application online.

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Operation Purple Camp offers military kids a time to get away and be kids in a stress free environment. Campers ride horses, climb towers, plummet down water slides, and more in a "purple" environment. The very name of the game is to bring kids of all ranks and services, including Reserve Components, together to enjoy a very special week of camp. This experience is unmatched by any other programs currently serving military kids and camps are free to military families.

"With 11 years of war under our belts, it's no surprise that our children are feeling the effects," said Joyce Wessel Raezer, Executive Director for the National Military Family Association. "Our kids are our future and we are focused on helping military children not only cope with the challenges of this lifestyle but also connect them with other military children so they realize they are not alone. Operation Purple Camps allow kids to be just that – kids. It's a place of healing, growing and adventure as well as a place to feel safe and understood."

This year, more than 1,100 children will attend these free camps at one of the following locations across the United States: Arkansas, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.

Information about the camp program, specific camp locations, ages, and dates is available on our website at http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/.

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 strengthening and protecting 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, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 44 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.

Contact: Nicole Matos
[email protected]
www.MilitaryFamily.org
703.931.6632

SOURCE National Military Family Association