Operation Purple Camp offers Free in-person camp for military kiddos
Great news for Military Kiddos, the National Military Family Association has announced the 2026 Operation Purple Camp locations for 2026! Applications open February 11, 2026. The application window closes March 11, 2026.
Since 2004, Operation Purple Camp has served over 64,000 Military Kids. Operation Purple Camp is a free week long camp available to military children from all military branches. Operation Purple Camp’s mission is to help alleviate the stresses of military life and connect with kids just like them. It’s a great opportunity. Below are the announced locations of the 2026 camp season.
While at an Operation Purple Camp your child will enjoy an array of camp experiences such as arts, crafts, ropes courses, canoeing, swimming, archery, and climbing walls. The campers will be supported by fully trained counselors and camp staff experienced in helping children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life.
By meeting kids like them, campers make life-long friends who understand what it’s like for a parent to serve in the military. Campers are encouraged to celebrate the sacrifices they make and be proud of their role as a military kid!
WHO CAN APPLY?
Children of active-duty service members and veterans, from all uniformed services, including the National Guard, Reserve, Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may apply.
You will fill out a questionnaire when you apply. NMFA prioritizes families facing the most challenging aspects of military life, including frequent separations; service-related wounds, illnesses, or injuries; frequent moves; and more. Camp spots that remain after prioritized families are considered will be filled with eligible military children.
Campers ARE NOT selected on a first-come first-served basis. You can apply at any time during the February 11 – March 11 application window. Families applying after March 11 will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
Locations include:
Camp K – June 1–5 | Cooper Landing, AK | Ages 6-17
Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center (Week 1) – June 7–12 | Parkton, NC | Ages 8-16
YMCA Camp Grady Spruce – June 7–13 | Graford, TX | Ages 7-16
Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center (Week 2) – June 14–19 | Parkton, NC | Ages 8-16
Jamestown 4-H Center – June 21–26 | Williamsburg, VA | Ages 7-15
YMCA Camp Cullen – June 28–July 3 | Trinity, TX | Ages 7-16
YMCA Camp Surf (Week 1) – June 28–July 3 | San Diego, CA | Ages 8-16
YMCA Camp Piomingo – June 28–July 3 | Brandenburg, KY | Ages 6-16
Eastern 4-H Center – July 19–24 | Columbia, NC | Ages 6-15
Camp Sorensen – July 26–31 | Hilliard, FL | Ages 10-15
YMCA Camp Surf (Week 2) – August 2–7 | San Diego, CA | Ages 8-16
Applications Open February 11
Applications for Operation Purple Camp will open on February 11, and families are encouraged to review eligibility information in advance.
Families can also join Operation Purple Family Connection on Facebook to receive updates and connect with other military families throughout the application season and year-round.
No camp near you? Subscribe by email to be the first to sign up for Operation Purple Summer Challenge, a virtual summer camp experience designed for military families anywhere in the world.
