Operation Purple Camp
YMCA Camp Surf, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 250, Alexandria, VA 22314
About
Operation Purple Camp offers a free weeklong summer camp experience where campers take part in activities such as ziplining, a ropes course, swimming, kayaking, paddling, arts and crafts, creative STEM activities, gaga ball, field sports, and group games. Campers also participate in a Wall of Honor activity, Under Armour Freedom Day, and flag ceremonies. The program includes an Operation Purple Summer Challenge virtual experience designed for military families worldwide and is exclusively for military-connected children.
• Schedule: FREE weeklong summer camp experiences
• Price: providing FREE weeklong summer camp experiences across the country
Since 2004, Operation Purple Camp has been celebrating the service of military-connected children by providing free weeklong summer camp experiences. The program is designed to build community, connection, and resilience. Its curriculum includes intentional skill-building and experiential learning in teamwork, independence, problem-solving, confidence, and pride in service, and it focuses on connection to other kids with military life experiences. Campers and families are connected to additional resources such as support from mental health professionals, and the program includes a framework for ongoing support long after the camp experience has ended. Campers disconnect from technology and connect to the outdoors during camp. 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. The National Military Family Association, which runs Operation Purple Camp, holds the Charity Navigator 4-star rating, an “A” rating from CharityWatch, meets all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance standards for Charity Accountability, and ranks at the “Platinum” level on the Candid (GuideStar) Rating.
Last updated December 24, 2025.
• Schedule: FREE weeklong summer camp experiences
• Price: providing FREE weeklong summer camp experiences across the country
Since 2004, Operation Purple Camp has been celebrating the service of military-connected children by providing free weeklong summer camp experiences. The program is designed to build community, connection, and resilience. Its curriculum includes intentional skill-building and experiential learning in teamwork, independence, problem-solving, confidence, and pride in service, and it focuses on connection to other kids with military life experiences. Campers and families are connected to additional resources such as support from mental health professionals, and the program includes a framework for ongoing support long after the camp experience has ended. Campers disconnect from technology and connect to the outdoors during camp. 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. The National Military Family Association, which runs Operation Purple Camp, holds the Charity Navigator 4-star rating, an “A” rating from CharityWatch, meets all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance standards for Charity Accountability, and ranks at the “Platinum” level on the Candid (GuideStar) Rating.
Last updated December 24, 2025.
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