Base to host Operation Purple summer camp

  • Published
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Wright Patterson AFB was chosen again this year to host the popular Operation Purple Summer Camp. 

The National Military Family Association, or 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. The goal of Operation Purple Camps is to give military children tools to help reduce stresses that result from a parent's deployment. A unique collaboration between the 88th Services Division Youth Programs, 445th Airlift Wing, 178th Fighter Wing and the Youth Development Division of the Ohio State University provide this outstanding program. 

Operation Purple Camp Wright-Patt is a unique experience for the campers ages 10-15, combining exciting camp activities as canoeing, ropes course, crafts, archery and swimming with a military component. Campers are introduced to military procedures, including deployment lines, protocol, physical training, formation drills, MREs -- meals-ready-to-eat -- and visits to a guard base or reserve unit with active duty military members. 

Operation Purple Camp Wright-Patt 2007 will take place again at 4-H Camp Graham in Clarksville, Ohio July 8-15. You can read about and see recent pictures of 4-H Camp Graham by going to http://4hcampgraham.osu.edu/. 

Visit the NMFA Operation Purple Web site at http://www.operationpurple.org for more information about the camp and camp registration. Applications will only be available online. Registration began Thursday and ends May 1. 

Each camp is "purple," meaning it is open to children of any member of the uniformed services, including National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Public Health Service, plus the National Guard and Reserve. 

Only complete applications will be placed on the registration list. The application process is not complete until all components of the application with required signatures have been submitted. 

Applications can be mailed to Gary Gray, 156 Spinning Road, Dayton, Ohio 45431.