If your soldier is deployed and you would like to offer a unique experience to your children, be sure to check with the National Military Family Association. Operation Purple is a summer camp that is free to military children with a deployed parent. It is held at multiple locations each summer.
The camps last from five to seven days and are open to military children between the ages of 8 and 18. The camp is provided free of charge though travel to and from the camp is not covered. Thanks to multiple locations, you are sure to find a camp that is accessible to you. During the camp, the children will learn about coping with deployments and the unique issues that surround them. Most of all, they will make lasting friendships with other kids who are going through the same challenges.
The NMFA begins to accept applications for the camp in March of each year. You can learn more about this program by visiting their website at Operation Purple.