Operation Purple Summer Challenge
Military Kids Serve Too®
Be Good. Do Good. Feel Good.
Join us for our fifth year of virtual programming and our second year of Operation Purple Summer Challenge—a free, from-anywhere experience to stay connected and have fun with military kids and families across the globe for eight weeks this summer.
Each week, participants will take on “Challenges” to get them reading, drawing, learning new skills, connecting with family, and even helping in their community. From June to July, we’ll meet virtually every Friday in a “Global Gathering” to share the past week’s adventures with one another.
How Do Challenges Work?
Who Can Participate?
Every military-connected kid who completes registration is guaranteed a spot at NO COST! Operation Purple Summer Challenge has two main age groups: Explorers and Adventurers. Activities and Global Gatherings are curated specifically for each age range. We will also be holding two virtual meetups throughout the summer for military kids grades 8-12. Be on the lookout for more information!
EXPLORERS
Pre-K – Grade 2
ADVENTURERS
Grade 3 – 8
What’s Needed for the Summer Challenge?
Computer, Tablet, or Phone
Participants will need a computer, tablet, or phone with access to Google Meet in order to join weekly Global Gathering virtual sessions.
Writing Tools + Paper
Live activities often require paper and pencil to engage and complete. Any type of writing instrument is great!
Who’s Joining NMFA for the Summer Challenge?
United Through Reading
United Through Reading is joining our Summer Challenge for the second year running to inspire our military kids. This year, families who register for the challenge by May 7th will receive a free copy of this year’s Book for the Military Child. United Through Reading will also bring us a special virtual author visit for our reading week Global Gathering! Learn more about United Through Reading’s Book for the Military Child here.
Rosie Riveters
This summer, the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and Rosie Riveters are excited to present a STEM Week Challenge and Global Gathering for military kids powered by Boeing. This initiative aims to engage these young minds in STEM through Rosie Riveters’ dynamic, challenge-based learning, emphasizing “productive struggle” to boost problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and confidence in STEM. Learn more about Rosie Riveters here.
FitMoney
FitMoney provides free, unbiased financial literacy programs to empower K-12 students with critical life skills for a financially fit future. This summer, families will have access to FitMoney’s $uperSquad, which features videos, challenges, and choose-your-own-adventure stories that teach the principles of a financially fit life. Families can also participate in real-world financial literacy activities during our Financial Literacy Global Gathering. Learn more about FitMoney’s work here.
K9s for Warriors
K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans with invisible wounds of war. It is also a second-year partner of the Operation Purple Summer Challenge program. We’re so excited to have them joining us for another virtual warrior and service dog meet and greet at our Global Gatherings this summer! To learn more about K9s For Warriors, check out this link.
Sesame Street for Military Families
Sesame Street for Military Families is an initiative of Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the landmark television show Sesame Street, whose mission is to help kids grow stronger, smarter, and kinder. On the Sesame Street for Military Families website families can find free, bilingual (English and Spanish) information and multimedia resources on the topics of military deployments, homecomings, injuries, grief, self-expression, and more. We’re grateful for their continued support with Operation Purple Summer Challenge and can’t wait to share their amazing resources designed for our Explorers (Pre-K-2nd grade). Learn more here.