Operation Purple® Camp, Purdue University's free weeklong experience designed for military youth, is now underway on the West Lafayette, Ind., campus.
Nearly 50 kids aged 12-17 are attending the program, which is a collaborative effort between three sponsors: the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University, Purdue's Department of Health and Kinesiology and the National Military Family Association. Campers from military families are getting the chance to experience, in a supportive environment that promotes resilience, traditional outdoor summer camp activities as well as the athletic and educational resources found on a college campus.
"Our camp focuses on building leadership skills within each camper, so that they can take those skills home and use them within their families, their schools and their communities," said Kathy Broniarczyk, director of outreach for MFRI. "In addition, we seek to increase communication skills within these young people. The campers also receive a rare opportunity to enjoy a camp experience tailored for their age and interests, and interact with peers who face the same challenges that they do — including parental deployments."
The camp opened June 3 and concludes June 9. Campers will participate in partial high ropes course challenges, cooking and service projects, first aid training, and a Purdue-themed "Amazing Race" activity. They will also join in leadership activity presentations as well as other activities aimed at increasing positive family communication while helping campers to recognize and reduce incidents of cyberstalking and bullying.