Growing up is hard — for children of a military family, it can be even harder. In recognition of this, Camp Fire Alaska and the National Military Family Association continued our partnership for Operation Purple Camp 2024 at Camp K on Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing from June 3–June 7. Operation Purple Camp, a completely free, week-long special camp session, serves children with parents actively serving in any branch of uniformed services, including the National Guard, Reserve, Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

 

Since 2011, the now 13-year-old camp program has given military kids, aged 6 through 17, a safe space to build meaningful friendships with other military-connected peers. Surrounded by youth with similar circumstances, they find commonality in their stories, bonding through shared experiences. In this way, they validate one another and themselves by recognizing their resilience, strength, and leadership skills.

 

Unlike our other summer programs, Operation Purple Camp offers a curriculum custom-designed for military kids with traditional camp elements seamlessly integrated. This year, campers took part in fun activities such as an obstacle course designed by active-duty Airforce men who volunteered their time to spend a day at camp and the Honor Wall activity where youth had the opportunity to share about their military parent(s). These activities provide them with fun, safe challenges to encourage them to be bold, resilient, and courageous — and to improve their wellbeing, allowing them to thrive in the face of adversity.

 

Camp Fire Alaska is thankful to have taken part in this incredible opportunity again, and we extend our gratitude to the generous donors helping ensure this program remains free, including:

 

Alaska Airlines Community Advisory Board

Atwood Foundation

ConocoPhillips Alaska

Global Credit Union

John C. Hughes Foundation

National Military Family Association

Rasmuson Foundation

Wheatberry Construction

And many generous individuals!

 

We also thank everyone else involved in creating this opportunity, from our partners to our volunteers and staff. This year, like the ones before it, Operation Purple Camp gave its campers lifelong memories, meaningful connections, a safe space to bolster positive change, and the chance to find their sparks and embolden their flames.

We look forward to continuing this camping tradition next year.

 

previous arrow
2466-MarketingPhotos_SummerPhotos_CampK-OperationPurple-ClosingCircle_6000x4000_NR_4
next arrow