Military kids can "enlist" in free summer camps

  • Published
  • By Elizabeth Fortune
  • UofA Division of Agriculture Extension Communications Specialist
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. --  Having one or both parents, in the military can be tough on kids. Having a parent deployed overseas can be even tougher. To help kids cope with the stresses they experience from having military parents, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's 4-H youth development program is partnering with various groups to offer summer camps for military kids. 

The camps are offered as part of Operation: Military Kids. OMK provides support for children of military personnel throughout the year. OMK is a military partnership program of Arkansas 4-H, the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, which is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. All 4-H programs, including OMK, are offered to all youth ages five to 19 regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or any other legally protected status. 

Four different types of camps are offered in July and August: bicycle safety camps, movie camp, camo camp and Arkansas Cycling Camp and Tour. These camps are free to military kids with the option of purchasing a t-shirt for $10. 

Bicycle safety day camps will be offered 10 times from late July to late August. These one-day bike rides explore historical and natural resources throughout the state. Youth ages 9 to 19-years-old are eligible to participate, but registration is limited to the first 10 youth. 

For the budding filmmaker, a movie camp in August will teach campers everything they need to know to produce their own film. Skills taught during the camp include basic videography skills, storyboarding, shooting and editing. Campers will create public service announcements and documentaries about the special needs of military families. Dates for this camp are Aug. 3 to 7. This camp will accept 20 youth ages 13 to 18-years-old. This camp is also open to non-military youth. 

The adventurous, outdoorsy camper will enjoy Camo Camp Aug. 9 through 13. Activities include all-terrain vehicle safety and hands-on driving instruction, canoeing, wildlife ecology, archery and a cardboard boat construction and race competition. Camo Camp will take 40 youth ages 12 to 18-years-old. 

If cycling and camping are more exciting for the camper, they can register for the Arkansas Cycling Camp and Tour Aug. 9 through 13. Campers will learn bicycle safety and maintenance for both on- and off-road biking. They will take day tours and conclude the camp with an overnight camping experience. Youth ages 12 to 18-years-old are eligible for this camp. 

All camps are held at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, unless otherwise noted. For registration forms for all the camps, visit www.uaex.edu and click on the dog tags near the bottom of the page, or contact Maureen Rose, at mrose@uaex.edu or 501-671-2066. Registration forms and fees, if applicable, are due July 17.