OPC

Operation Purple Camp provides a week of camp, free of charge to kids whose parents are currently deployed in the military. Run by the National Military Family Association, there are 63 camps across the country that have been selected to be part of the program this summer. This is our second summer with this program.

This week we welcomed 110 campers from this and surrounding states. Our biggest week this summer has been 80 kids, so this is a bit of a stretch for us, but we're doing it.

As a struggling camp, having 110 kids who are fully paid for (actually even a little more money than average campers), is LIFESAVING. It was a HUGE deal when we got accepted last year and a RELIEF when we got chosen again this year.

I am excited because it is a cool week, with lots of special events and many visitors.

It is an exhausting week though, with kids who come from families under more than average stress. Of 110 campers, 78 are on medication. We have kids whose parents are divorcing, kids who have suicidal tendencies, kids who are used to having a great deal of responsibility at home, and kids who are worried about mom or dad away at war. It is a much different group than our typical campers.

But it is an honor to be able to provide a week of fun to kids who so need it. I am excited for the adventures ahead!