Hurlburt, Eglin chosen to host Operation Purple Summer Camp Published March 18, 2008 NMFA HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The National Military Family Association announced recently that the Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base youth programs will host Operation Purple Summer Camp this year. 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. "Operation Purple Camps provide a much needed respite from the worries of war that many of our nation's children face each day their mom or dad is deployed," said Nancy Alsheimer, NMFA chairman of the board. "NMFA is excited to work with Hurlburt and Eglin on this very worthwhile program. Together we can make a difference in the lives of military children." The Hurlburt/Eglin camps introduce 13 to 18 year-old teens to a "mission-concept," similar to what active duty parents might encounter during a deployment. They introduce students to an actual in-processing procedure to include briefs on environment, local animals and insects, mission objective, ID cards and sleeping cots, and they instill the attitude of team before self. Teens participate in snorkeling, kayaking, swimming in a spring, climbing and more. They are also introduced to conflict-resolution techniques and team-building skills. Campers will interact with active duty members and have access to youth-trained professionals 24 hours a day. Campers learn how to use a compass and read maps, work on the camping cooking skills and learn how to work as a team to accomplish a mission. They will be introduced to the idea that "team-synergy" can carry a person significantly farther than any one individual could accomplish, according to the NMFA. "Our plan for Operation Purple Florida 2008 is to present the many natural resources the great state of Florida has to offer," Mrs. Alsheimer said. "We will be camping at four state parks - Florida Caverns, Torreya, Holton and Stephen Foster. We hope this will leave a lasting impression of what the great outdoors has to offer, how each camper is a member of a larger society and how their actions have a ripple effect on the world." Every day, participants will have time for journaling, small-group discussions, teambuilding/recognition ceremonies and a chance to meet new friends. Registration for Operation Purple Camp begins March 24. Applications are only accepted online and can be found at www.operationpurple.org. The camp is open to children of service members of any branch of service, active duty, National Guard or Reserve, as well as children of members of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.