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Army Reserve Child and Youth Services

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Youth Camps
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) created summer camps for military youth as a way to help them develop life skills to manage deployments. These camps are called Operation Purple because “purple” denotes the inclusion of all the uniformed services. Operation Purple camps help youth develop the coping skills and peer support networks to better handle the challenges of military life in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.

The Army Reserve Enrichment Camps provide meaningful opportunities for interaction and activities that translate into resilient military youth. The goal of the Army Reserve Child and Youth Services is to provide a fun and rewarding experience for Army Reserve youth ages 8-16 in partnership with accredited camps and national youth organizations.


Operation Purple  

Operation: Purple Camp is the only summer camp program, free of charge to all participants, designed to give children of the uniformed services the tools to successfully face the challenges of deployment. It was created by the National Military Family Association (NMFA)to bring youth from all service branches and components of the military, including the National Guard and Army Reserve, together.  By participating in team building and recreational activities that focus on fun, coping skills, and leadership, the youth can share their experiences with one another, and connect with someone who has walked in their shoes.

During the 5-day camp, youth were able to choose a number of activities to participate in including archery, sailing, canoeing, dance, nature, orienteering, fishing and more.  Learn more or contact your CYS Regional Coordinator

Visit www.arfp.org/purplecamp for more information


Youth Enrichment Camps - FREE Camp Opportunities  

AREC WI Group PhotoArmy Reserve Enrichment Camp Inaugural Summer
2007 marked the inaugural summer of the Army Reserve Enrichment Camp. Hosted by Army Reserve Child and Youth Services, camps were located in Parkston North Carolina and Salem Wisconsin. These enrichment camps were free one week resident camps for Army Reserve Youth ages 8 to 14.

AR CYS hopes to continue providing such positive opportunities for AR youth and their families.
Check out www.arfp.org/AREC for more upcoming opportunities and to be the first to hear about AREC 2008!

Learn more or contact your CYS Regional Coordinator