Summer 2026

Operation Purple® Camp

Summer Camp Hosted by the National Military Family Association Exclusively for Military Kids

2004
NMFA founded Operation Purple Camp because Military Kids Serve Too.
66000
Military Kids served at Operation Purple Camp locations around the world since 2004.
6200
Military kids served through Operation Purple Summer Challenge wherever they are stationed.
At NMFA, we believe that Military Kids Serve Too®, which is why, since 2004, we have been celebrating that service by providing FREE weeklong summer camp experiences across the country.

Exclusively for military-connected children, NMFA enhances the traditional camp experience with a curriculum that focuses on intentional skill-building and connection to other kids with military life experiences.

Campers and families are also connected to additional resources–such as support from mental health professionals–to improve their well-being while at camp and provide a framework for ongoing support long after the camp experience has ended.

Military kids leave camp with pride in their own contributions, meaningful connections with a community of peers, and skills to tackle the challenges of military family life. 

Operation Purple Camp
A Transformative Camp Experience

Grounded in 57 years of expertise supporting the military family experience and over two decades of insight into the life-changing power of camp, our curriculum is intentionally designed to build resilience, connection, and service through hands-on, experiential learning.

Campers unplug from technology and immerse themselves in the great outdoors while forming meaningful friendships, gaining confidence, and discovering new passions. Each day is filled with unforgettable experiences, including adrenaline-pumping adventures like ziplining and ropes courses, opportunities to cool off with swimming, kayaking, and paddling, and chances to explore creativity through arts and crafts and engaging creative STEM activities. Campers also team up for gaga ball, field sports, and group games, and participate in traditions that foster pride in service, such as our Wall of Honor and flag ceremonies.

The result is more than just fun. It is a powerful, joy-filled experience that helps campers grow, connect, and thrive.

Why is it Purple?

At NMFA, we believe that Military Kids Serve Too®, and we honor that service by using the color that represents military children in our program’s name. Purple is the color you get when combining Marine Corps red, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Space Force blue, and a bit of Army green. It’s a perfect reminder that Together, We’re Stronger!

Why is it Purple?

At NMFA, we believe that Military Kids Serve Too®, and we honor that service by using the color that represents military children in our program’s name. Purple is the color you get when combining Marine Corps red, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and Space Force blue, and a bit of Army green. It’s a perfect reminder that Together, We’re Stronger!

Powered in part by:

This program is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families.

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Find out about camps, scholarships, child care, family events, our advocacy work, and more.

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BE THE FIRST TO KNOW  

Find out about camps, scholarships, child care, family events, our advocacy work, and more.

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