ASYMCA to host camps for military children, families
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thanks to a grant provided by the Sierra Club’s Military Families Outdoors Initiative, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) will provide a unique outdoor experience for military children and their families free of charge in 15 states.
“During this time of heavy deployment, the camps provide military personnel — and their children — a much-needed respite from the grim reality of war. It also offers these families an opportunity to build a support network of others who have similarly experienced the pressures of deployment,” said Retired Navy Rear Adm. Frank Gallo, national executive director of the ASYMCA. “The ASYMCA is happy to be able to provide our troops and their families a memorable experience that is not only fun but also educational for the entire family.”
The ASYMCA and Sierra Club sponsor two types of outdoor camp programs: one that is for military kids and another that is for the whole family. Since the start of the program last year, 1,549 children have attended resident camp, 1,081 children have attended day camp and 621 adults have been able to accompany their children to resident camp. Through this initiative, ASYMCA and Sierra Club aim to:
• Decrease stress and anxiety levels that stem from deployment, frequent moves or everyday pressures
• Increase social interaction and skills of children by participating in group activities
• Increase self-confidence of children through the development of positive relationships and new outdoor experiences
• Develop a support system comprised of other military families that have similar experiences
• Develop an awareness and appreciation for nature by learning about local plant life and animals.
“Sierra Club is happy to be able to provide outdoor experiences for military families,” said Brittany McKee, Sierra Club national military representative. “We recognize the burden that military families are under and want to connect those families making the greatest sacrifices for our country with the healing benefits of our natural heritage.”
Camps are taking place in the following locations this year:
• Davenport and Des Moines
• Augusta, Ga.
• Beale Air Force Base, Hanford and Mountain View, Calif.
• Bremerton, Wash.
• Clarksville, Tenn.
• Blue Ridge, N.C.
• Colorado Springs, Colo.
• El Paso and Killeen, Texas
• Junction City, Kan.
• Hampton Roads, Va.
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Watertown, N.Y.
• Phoenix, Ariz.
• Augusta and Winthrop, Me.
• Detroit, Mich.
For more information, contact Janice Laurente at (202) 346-8840 or e-mail janice.laurente@fd.com.