'Purple' camp provides free summer fun for military kids Published March 17, 2008 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Singing songs around campfires, making crafts out of popsicle sticks, canoeing across lakes - who doesn't have fond memories of summer camp? This summer, servicemembers can give their children a chance to create their own fond memories at an Operation Purple Camp. Four camps will be held in Colorado this year, including one hosted by Peterson's Airman and Family Readiness Center in Winter Park in July. Created by the National Military Family Association, Operation Purple Camp events are open to military children with parents who have been, are currently or will be deployed. The camps are funded by donations, so there is no cost for children to attend, and - because they are "purple" - the camps are open to the children of servicemembers from any military branch. The camps offer typical summer camp activities - hiking, horseback riding, swimming - along with team-building and trust-building activities to help kids better cope with military life and deployments. "The main focus for Operation Purple Camps is to recognize the kids' sacrifice as military children, especially regarding deployments," said Christina Fornander, who is helping coordinate Peterson's camp. "They're going to have fun, and they're not even going to realize they'll be learning things to help them the rest of their life." This year will be the first Peterson has organized an Operation Purple Camp. Last year, Colorado had just one camp, and more than 700 children applied for it. Outer Edge Performance, a company specializing in outdoor programs, decided to expand and host three camps in Colorado this year, and Peterson offered to help out by hosting one more. "Having not done it before but seeing the value, we though we'd give it a shot," Ms. Fornander said. "If it goes well, we'll definitely do more." With Peterson's help, Operation Purple Camp in Colorado will be able to take 440 kids this summer. Families will still need to get their applications in early to guarantee a spot at the camp of their choice, though, Ms. Fornander said. "Folks are saying you need to hit it right when it opens," Ms. Fornander said. "My advice to parents is don't wait, get your application in, and we'll see you at camp." A QUICK LOOK AT OPERATION PURPLE CAMP: Registration for Peterson's Operation Purple Camp begins March 24. The camp runs from July 6-11 at Winter Park's YMCA of the Rockies and is open to children ages 7-11. Three other Operation Purple Camps also take place in Colorado this summer. For applications and more information, visit www.operationpurple.org. Peterson's AFRC is also looking for adult volunteers to help at the camp. Lodging, meals and training are provided free. For more information, contact Christina Fornander at 556-6304 or Christina.fornander@peterson.af.mil.