In Maine there are more than 4,000 school-aged military youth and children whose parents have been called to serve. Deployments are a reality and many youth/families in Maine are currently in the deployment cycle (preparing to deploy, are currently deployed or preparing to be reunited with families).

Operation Military Kids state and national partners want to recognize, celebrate and thank all Military youth, families and service men and women for their commitment and service to our country. In 2011, more than 103,000 youth participated in experiences conducted by State OMK Teams in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Summer camps

In support of military youth there are a number of summer camps being offered:

Four Teen Military Adventure Camps are planned. Ropes and Rivers will take place from Aug. 19-24 and Adventure Racers from Aug. 5-10. For information, visit umaine.edu/bryantpond/maine-military-adventure-camps. River, Rocks, Ropes and Mountains will take place Aug. 12-17 and River to Sea will take place July 22-27. For information visit umaine.edu/tanglewood/maine-military-adventure-camps.

Two Military Robotics/Green Stem Camps are planned. Tech Wizard Camp will be held July 1-6 and Green STEM will take place Aug. 5-10. For information visit umaine.edu/bryantpond/maine-military-adventure-camps.

Two Maine National Guard Camps are planned, with sessions from July 8-14 and 15-21. Call Steve Hughes at 430-5773.

‘Purple Up’ Day

Friday, April 13 is“Purple Up” Day. People are encouraged to thank military personnel by wearing purple in support and recognition of the sacrifice  military personnel, families and youths are making in support of the country.

For more information about Operation Military Kids and how you to support military youth or sponsor military youth camp scholarships, contact Karen Hatch Gagne or Tiffany Gillespie at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension at 1-800-287-1481 or [email protected] or [email protected].