OPERATION PURPLE® SUMMER CHALLENGE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Operation Purple Summer Challenge web header

Program Overview

WHAT IS OPERATION PURPLE SUMMER CHALLENGE?

Operation Purple Summer Challenge is a free, eight-week virtual experience with weekly, self-paced challenges and live virtual gatherings for military-connected children.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE A GUARANTEED SPOT AT OPERATION PURPLE SUMMER CHALLENGE?
YES! All eligible military-connected children who complete registration can participate.
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.

Registration

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION OPEN?
Registration for the Operation Purple Summer Challenge is scheduled to open April 15, 2023.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
When registration opens, you will find a link on the Operation Purple Summer Challenge webpage. You will complete the registration application with information about your family’s military connection, selected age group, and any additional requested information. You must register separately and fully for each child you would like to participate.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT MY REGISTRATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PROCESSED?
Upon completion of the online registration, you will see a message that says “You have successfully completed the application. Thank you for applying.” In addition to this confirmation screen, you will receive one confirmation email to the email address you provide. 
CAN MY CHILD REGISTER FOR THE SUMMER CHALLENGE IF THEY HAVE APPLIED TO ANOTHER OPERATION PURPLE PROGRAM?
YES! All military affiliated children can participate, even if they have applied to or attended another Operation Purple program.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY QUESTIONS ON THE APPLICATION ABOUT MY MILITARY SERVICE AND MY FAMILY?
Each year, our Research and Insights team aggregates the information we gather across our many programs to better understand military families. NMFA uses this data to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for the families who serve. Your responses are critical to help NMFA create and sustain programs that impact more military families, like yours.

What Comes Next

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER I REGISTER?
Once your child or family is registered, you will receive an email from the National Military Family Association welcoming you to Operation Purple Summer Challenge. Please make sure also join our Operation Purple Summer Challenge Facebook page for regular updates and parent support.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ONCE THE OPERATION PURPLE SUMMER CHALLENGE BEGINS?
Your child or family will be able to participate in weekly challenges and virtual global gatherings each week in June and July.

Beginning the first week of June, you will receive weekly emails detailing the upcoming week’s challenges. Once your child or family has completed their challenge(s), you will complete the Challenge form to be entered to win the available prizes.

Global Gathering are our weekly live meetups that take place on Zoom. Operation Purple Summer Challenge Global Gatherings begin June 7, 2023 and conclude July 26, 2023.

WHAT SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE?
  • Participants will need a computer, tablet, or phone with internet and Zoom to access activities and join weekly virtual sessions.
  • Parent(s) will need access to email to receive weekly activity emails and other important Summer Challenge information.
  • Participants will need writing instruments and paper to engage in live activities.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS REQUIRED?
  • Computer, tablet, or phone to join weekly Zoom
  • The most up to date version of Zoom downloaded to your device
  • Individual challenges may offer the opportunity to download other applications, travel to local destinations, or use supplies beyond writing instruments and paper. All of these are optional and not required for participation. If a challenge cannot be completed using items your family has on hand, please reach out to SummerChallenge@MilitaryFamily.org and we will help you come up with an alternative activity.

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.