08/02/2007

Media Advisory: "Operation: Military Kids" Camp Set for Aug. 14-18

Writer:

Christy Clary
clary.42@osu.edu
(740) 701-7388

Source:

Theresa Ferrari, Ohio 4-H Youth Development
ferrari.8@osu.edu
(614) 247-8164

What: "Operation: Military Kids" Camp

When: Aug. 14-18, 2007

Where: Kelleys Island 4-H Camp

Contact: Theresa Ferrari, (614) 247-8164; (614) 570-8681 (cell); ferrari.8@osu.edu
Beginning on Aug. 13, call: (614) 302-8227

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For the third consecutive year, an "Operation: Military Kids" summer camp will be held at the Kelleys Island 4-H Camp, Aug. 14-18. A total of 148 campers ranging in age from 9-14 from all over the state will attend. All have a family member serving in the military.

Campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities and workshops including: archery, bottle rockets, crafts and canoeing. But there are also features built into camp that make it special for military children.

"Each day we have a 'think tank' with the campers. During this time, we will be discussing deployment, the effects it has on the youth, their experiences, feelings and ways to cope," said Theresa Ferrari, 4-H Youth Development specialist with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio 4-H Military Liaison.

In addition, members of various branches of the military will attend and provide activities for the campers related to real experiences their parents may have while serving in the military.

"We are very excited that the Coast Guard will be working with us this year," Ferrari said. "They will be doing a search-and-rescue demonstration on Friday during camp."

Ferrari said that the 33 counselors from all over Ohio are an important part of this camp. They have received training geared toward working with military youth, to help them discuss their parents' deployment and turn it into a positive experience. The majority of the counselors are Ohio 4-H members, alumni and Collegiate 4-H members, but a few are former OMK campers.

"We have a unique situation this year," Ferrari said. "Three of our counselors this year were campers last year, and we have two others who come to us from military families. I feel it shows what a success our program has become. We have youth who enjoyed our program enough to come back and provide leadership for others in the same situation."

All branches of the military will be represented at camp. The majority of campers have a parent who is currently deployed or preparing to deploy in the near future. Campers were charged a fee of $35. The remainder of camp expenses were paid for by donations from various sources including: The Ohio 4-H Foundation, AT&T Pioneers, USO of Central Ohio, various Ohio posts of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, personal donors and Operation: Military Kids.

Key partners who have collaborated to plan and implement the 2007 camp include the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness program and the Ohio 4-H program. Operation: Military Kids is supported by a grant from Army Child and Youth Services.

For a camp schedule, to visit during camp, or for more information, contact:
Theresa Ferrari
(614) 247-8164
(614) 570-8681 (cell)
ferrari.8@osu.edu
Beginning on Aug. 13, call: (614) 302-8227