Summer Camps Offer High Adventure for Military Teens

When I think of what summertime was like when I was growing up, memories of camp always brings a smile to my face. Whether it was horseback riding, swimming or making s'mores by the fire, camp was always a great place to make friends and learn new things. 

Now through a partnership between the Department of Defense, Office of Military Community & Family Policy and the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agricultur,e military teens are given the opportunity to participate in high adventure camps at little or no cost. These high-energy, high-adventure, and high-experience camps are planned across the United States from coast to coast.  Camps are scheduled from April 2011 through April 2012.

Each camp is designed to increase leadership skills, self-confidence and teamwork skills through unique outdoor experiences. Teens will choose from a variety of camps offering adventures like white water rafting, rock climbing, archery, sailing, back packing, ropes courses and many more themed activities that will get teens' blood pumping. 

To search for camps by date go to this website: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/Adventure_camps/campsdate.html

To search for camps by locations visit this website: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/Adventure_camps/campsloc.html

By selecting a camp and going to its website you'll find camp dates, the number of openings, types of activities offered, and a brief camp description.  A contact person is listed for each camp to answer any questions that you may have.

Camps do have funding available to assist with transportation. Most camps will reimburse transportation costs up to $500.

There are several camps planned for military teens with special needs (mental, physical, and emotional). These camps will be held in California, Ohio, and New Hampshire.