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Operation Purple Camp

  • Published
  • By Ms. Terri Scanlin
  • 174th FW/Wing Family Program Coordinator
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY --  These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children ages 7-17. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with deployment-related stress and fostering relationships with other children who know what they are going through. Operation Purple camp allows kids to gain confidence by learning to be stewards of the community and of the environment.

New York has 2 locations:
2 to 7 August for 8 to 15 year olds: Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center is comprised of over 200 acres just inside the western edge of the Adirondack Park, 50 miles north of Utica, NY, and just 12 miles south of Lowville, NY. During any given summer, Aldersgate serves from 650 to 900 campers. Within our mission is a commitment to provide a place for kids to feel safe, accepted and loved. For over 60 years, Aldersgate has provided a space where kids can develop relationships and establish trust within a common community through small group time, meals around a table, engaging in fun, recreational activities and bonding with other kids and the Aldersgate staff. There are three lakes on the property, the primary one being Pleasant Lake where campers will swim, boat and use the Aqua Park and slide. Meals will be served in the Walker Dining Hall, a rustic lodge with two large, stone fireplaces at each end. Campers will sleep in bunk beds in our cabin areas where there are bath houses and a campfire circle available within each section. Fellowship Hall is a large building utilized for recreational purposes involving the entire camp community. There are large sports fields where the campers take part in volleyball, basketball, archery and all-camp games. For additional information about Aldersgate, log on to www.aldersgateny.org

28 June to 3 July for 7 to 15 year olds: Huguenot, NY: The New York YMCA Camp is proud to host Operation Purple Camp. Our camp philosophy is for all children to play an active part in our peaceful diverse community built on the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We offer a safe environment where campers feel like they "really belong" as they experience joy every single day. Program activities will be fun, challenging and engaging, helping campers to develop self esteem through skill development and community living. You can be sure your child will receive safe adventures, make new friends and have great fun. 

We're happy for the opportunity to serve your military children this summer.
Limited space, so register as soon as possible! 

For more information and to register, please visit: 
www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=camp_locations