NMFA and WWP Bring Camp to Military Families at Home
Alexandria, VA — The National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen military families, is launching Operation Purple at Home, a virtual camp powered by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). The virtual camp brings the fun of Operation Purple camps and retreats to military families in two ways: an online camp July 6-10, 2020 for all military and veteran families and a four-month subscription for outdoor activity boxes for 2,100 military children, keeping them connected with each other and the natural world.
The Operation Purple Program, now in its 17th year, provides free sleepaway camp for military kids and retreats for military families. In a typical summer, Operation Purple Camps serve 1,600 military kids — with a waitlist of around 2,000 — at more than a dozen locations around the country.
With WWP’s support, NMFA is adapting to this year’s unique environment and providing the Operation Purple experience for all military families through Operation Purple at Home.
Operation Purple at Home brings the fun of Operation Purple programs to military families wherever they are with interactive and self-paced activities that celebrate family togetherness, foster strong communication, and help families connect.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer a summer of camp without a waitlist,” said Ashish Vazirani, NMFA Executive Director and CEO. “While we cannot see our Operation Purple campers in person this summer, the fun isn’t canceled. Operation Purple at Home brings the best parts of Operation Purple to military families wherever they are.”
Operation Purple at Home will:
- Gift 2,100 military kids a free, 4-month subscription to THiNK OUTSiDE BOXES to get them outdoors and exploring nature
- Host camp events each day, during a virtual week of camp, including a daily flag ceremony, video activities, and surprise guest appearances
- Share curated daily schedules for offline fun to get families outside, making memories together
- Provide free mental health resources and opportunities to support military and veteran families
- Surprise participants with nearly $25,000 in prizes and giveaways during camp week to make sure the fun and excitement of Operation Purple at Home keeps going!
“Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support the children of active duty and military veterans this summer. It’s important to give back to those who have given so much and what better way than to provide their children with fun activities, especially during this pandemic,” said LTG (Ret.) Mike Linnington, WWP CEO.
The National Military Family Association and Wounded Warrior Project® have been proud partners in supporting military and veteran families since 2007. Together, they are thrilled to serve military families in a new, unique way through Operation Purple at Home. Registration for Operation Purple at Home is now open on the NMFA website: www.militaryfamily.org/OPatHome
About the National Military Family Association
The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, veteran, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. To get involved or to learn more, visit https://militaryfamily.org
About Wounded Warrior Project®
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us
