Operation Purple Camp 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Program Overview
What is Operation Purple Camp
Operation Purple Camp offers free week long, in-person, overnight summer camp experiences to military-connected children at locations across the United States.
Does my child have a guaranteed spot at Operation Purple Camp?
Who is eligible?
Active duty and veteran military–connected children from all eight uniformed service branches are eligible to apply. This includes the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Public Health Services Commission Corps, as well as National Guard and Reserve components of each respective branches.
Applying and Acceptance
When does the application open?
How do I apply?
How will I know that my application has been successfully processed?
Can my child apply for, or attend, more than one Operation Purple Camp per summer?
How are applicants chosen?
Why are there so many questions on the application about my military service and my family?
When will I know if my child was accepted to camp?
Hold My Spot Deposit” + Other Expenses
What is a "Hold My Spot" deposit?
When will my deposit be refunded?
Will there be any costs associated with camps?
1. Transportation to and from your camp location
2. Any COVID-related testing or protocols required by specific camp sites
3. Camp suggested packing-list items (like, sleeping bag, flashlight, etc.)
What Comes Next?
What should I expect after I apply?
All campers will be notified of their acceptance to camp, or placement on our waitlist, by 11:59pm ET April 15, 2023.
What should I expect if my child/children are accepted to camp?
Once your child is accepted to a camp, that camp will reach out directly with information and forms to help prepare you and your campers for drop-off day! Here is a general idea of what you can expect:
- Receive notice of acceptance to Operation Purple Camp
- As early as April, but no later than 3 weeks before your camp begins, you will hear from your individual camp with instructions on how to complete camp health forms and submit any necessary paperwork.You will also have access to a “welcome packet” from camp that includes camp specific information and instructions. These packets are delivered via email so it is imperative your contact information on your child’s application is correct and up-to-date as this will be the contact information we pass on to camps.
- No later than 2 weeks before camp, all camp health forms and other required documents MUST be submitted to camps. You are subject to dismissal from the program if you are not able to meet this deadline.
- Any questions regarding camper accommodations, dietary restrictions, camp specific activities, or other concerns can be addressed directly to your respective camp location, or with an NMFA staff member, at any point during the registration process, but should be addressed BEFORE campers are dropped off for their first day of camp. Feel free to reach out to our Operation Purple Program team at OPC@MilitaryFamily.org with questions.
What should I expect if my children are waitlisted?
Campers who are waitlisted will be notified directly by their selected camp if any spots become available. Notification of selection can occur any time between April 15th up until just a few days before camp begins. You will only be notified if a spot opens for you.
Please DO NOT contact camps directly regarding waitlist status. They will be unable to answer your questions and will direct you to contact an NMFA staff member. All questions regarding camper waitlists should be addressed to OPC@MilitaryFamily.org. Camps do not have waitlist information.
National Military Family Association’s Statement on Inclusivity
“NMFA supports all military families and welcomes military family members regardless of race, age, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation and identity, mental or physical ability, economic status, differences of thought and expression, or any other characteristic that divides us.”
