Military teen adventure camps for the rest of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 have been announced. Youth aged 14 to 18 can apply to participate in a variety of different outdoor adventure camps, including skiing, whitewater rafting and horse programs. There are special sessions for military kids with physical, developmental, or mental impairments that would prevent them from participating in a traditional camp. Plus, there are a variety of parent and child weekend adventure programs that run throughout the year.
Not only are the camps free, but some camps have funds to help with transportation costs, as well. How great is that?
These programs are run by a variety of different organizations, and the details for each one may vary slightly. Application deadlines vary depending on the program, so be sure to check out all the information by clicking all the way through the event listing and application website. In addition, new programs are being added all the time. This is one of those situations where being diligent and checking websites regularly can really pay off.
This program is partnership between the Department of Defense’s Office of Military Community & Family Policy, the Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture, and the nation’s Cooperative Extension Service. For those of you looking for the Navy Teen Adventure Camp program offered in years past by the Navy, I have been informed that the Navy is unable to fund those programs this summer. These branch neutral programs are the best alternative to the Navy specific camps.
My oldest daughter was able to participate in the Navy teen camps for the last two years, and it was a great experience for her. My poor August birthday child will probably miss out this year because she is still too young, and goodness knows if the money will be available in future years. If you are eligible and interested, apply this year because the future is uncertain for programs like these.
