IMCOM-Europe hosts camp for children with deployed parents

Installation Management Command-Europe is hosting a summer camp designed specifically for children of deployed servicemembers.

Called Camp A.R.M.Y. Challenge (Adventure, Resilience, Memories, Youth), the program, which takes place June 15 to 20, offers a welcomed break from the family stresses of deployment and offers a chance for more than 200 kids to meet other youth facing similar challenges, said Joe Marton, Child, Youth and School Services program specialist for IMCOM-Europe Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Middle school and high school students whose active-duty parents have deployed or will be deploying between June 1, 2008, and March 1, 2010, are eligible to apply and must do so by May 4.

Although the camp is hosted exclusively by CYS, the camp will have some spaces open to children whose deployed parent belongs to the Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps.

The week-long camp, which will be held in Germany, will provide concentrations in basketball, culinary arts, soccer and track and field. All campers will also participate in an outdoor adventure program, such as hiking, climbing and canoeing.

 “We want the experience to be fun but also educational,” Mr. Marton said.

The program aims at building positive relationships between military children.

“There are scores of stories of these kids building lasting friendships that started in CAC and other similar camps we have sponsored,” he said.

A non-refundable $50 camp registration fee is required when a child is selected to attend the camp. The fee reserves a slot in an assigned session.

Central bus pickup points will provide transportation to the camps, but individualized transportation will not be funded; families are responsible for their child’s transportation to the bus stops.

Besides Camp A.R.M.Y Challenge, CYS Services also offers summer programs at every IMCOM-Europe garrison for school-age children, middle school youth and teens.

Details and application forms, which will be accepted only online, are available at www.mwr-europe.com.

(Courtesy of IMCOM-Europe)