Camp Offered For Kids of Military

News Release: From: YMCA YMCA Camp Carson Chosen to Host NMFA’s Popular Operation Purple Summer Camp The National Military Family Association announced today that YMCA Camp Carson was chosen to host a popular Operation Purple Summer Camp from August 3rd – 8th, 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 YMCA Camp Carson, a branch of the YMCA of Southwestern, Indiana, 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 Carson takes great pride providing a safe, fun program while paying careful attention to the needs of campers and families. Their program is truly one that is designed and tailored to the individual camper needs. The camp offers activities ranging from horseback and motorized dirt-bikes to archery, canoeing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, marksmanship, climbing, pottery, woodworking, fishing, crafts, soccer, basketball, mountain-boards, “The Blob”, water zip-lines, Tom Sawyer Swing, drumming program and more. However, their most significant feature is in their ability to impact young lives in a positive manner. Building self esteem and self confidence, respect for others, encouraging them to take on new challenges, learning more about themselves and other cultures are all part of a week at camp. 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. About YMCA Camp Carson Camp Carson in Princeton, Indiana, has been serving the children if the tri-state and beyond since 1940. With campers and staff from over 20 different states and 7 countries in 2007, and an endless list of activities to take part in, it’s not hard to see why they were voted Best Regional Resident Camp 2007 by Kentuckiana Family magazine and why they make such a great match to support the NMFA’s Purple Camp. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and offers co-ed programs for campers aged 7 –16. For more information on all the programs they offer at the camp, visit their web-site at www.campcarson.org or call 812-385-3597 for a free brochure and informational DVD. About NMFA The National Military Family Association, the only nonprofit organization that represents families of all ranks and services, prepares spouses, children, and parents to better deal with the unique challenges of military life. The Association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen. For nearly 40 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation as the leading experts on military family issues. For more information, visit www.nmfa.org.