Operation Purple Camp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply? 

Children of service members and veterans from all uniformed services, including United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, as well as the National Guard, Reserve, and the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may apply.  

When does the application open? 

Applications for the summer season open in mid-February each year. For the 2025 season, applications will open on February 12, 2025. 

How do I apply? 

Beginning February 12, apply for Operation Purple Camp on the NMFA website.

How will I know my application has been successfully processed? 

How are applicants chosen? 

We prioritize families facing the most challenging aspects of military life, including frequent separations, service-related wounds, illnesses or injuries, frequent moves, and more. Camp spots open 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 12 to March 12 window. Families applying after March 12 will automatically be placed on the waitlist. 

Please note that NMFA is currently only able to serve about 20% of applicants, which means we cannot guarantee spots for any family, even those with priority access. Please manage your family’s expectations accordingly prior to hearing you have been accepted to camp. If you want to learn about ways you can help NMFA expand Operation Purple Camp to serve more military kids, please reach out to us at OPC@MilitaryFamily.org  

Why are there so many questions on the application about my military service and my family?  

Each year, our team aggregates the information we gather across our many programs to better understand the needs and experiences of our military families so that we can continue our advocacy work. Your responses are critical to helping NMFA create and sustain programs that impact more military families like yours. You can learn more about our research and surveys in the Notice and Consent for Operation Purple Camp Surveys PDF under Policies below. Read our full privacy policy.

Can my child apply for or attend more than one Operation Purple Camp per summer? 

Campers can apply for and attend ONE camp each year. Program staff will remove any additional applications.  

When will I know if my child is accepted to camp?  

ALL CAMP APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL INFORMING YOU OF YOUR APPLICATION STATUS IN APRIL. All families will be grouped into one of two categories, either “accepted” or “waitlisted.” Emails are sent from OPC@MilitaryFamily.org, so please ensure this email address is added to your safe sender list.  

What should I expect if my child/children are accepted to camp? 

Once your child is accepted to a camp, you have a few steps to complete before you arrive on site. 

1. Pay your “Hold my Spot” deposit to reserve your place at camp. Your acceptance email will include step-by-step instructions on how to deposit and the deadline for doing so. Failure to deposit by the listed date will forfeit your spot in the program, and your spot will be given to another camper on the waitlist.  
2. Join NMFA staff and camp leaders for a virtual open house. Learn more about what to expect during your week on-site, what to pack (and what to leave at home), and maybe even get a chance to meet a few of your fellow campers! Information on your camp’s virtual open house will be sent to accepted families after they have placed their deposit.  
3. Submit health forms and any necessary paperwork directly to your host camp. As early as April, but no later than three weeks before your camp begins, you will receive instructions on how to complete and submit these documents and the deadline for doing so. Camps cannot host campers who have not completed these forms. Failure to do so may result in your dismissal from the program.  

All the above information is delivered via email, so it is imperative that the contact information on your child’s application is correct and up-to-date. We will pass on this information to the camps. 

What should I expect if my children are waitlisted? 

Campers who are waitlisted will be notified directly by their chosen host camp if any spots become available. Please DO NOT contact camps directly regarding waitlist status. They will be unable to answer your questions and will direct you to contact an NMFA staff member.  

Notification of selection can occur any time between April 15 and just a few days before camp begins. You will only be notified if a spot opens for you. All questions regarding camper waitlists should be addressed to OPC@MilitaryFamily.org.  

What if my child does not get to attend camp? 

The team at NMFA wants to serve every military family who applies. While we can’t send every child to camp, we do offer a free virtual program that accepts every family who registers: Operation Purple Summer Challenge. This program is available to kids ages five and up. It includes opportunities to connect virtually with military kids around the world and fun activities for the whole family. Registration for this program opens in April. Learn more about Operation Purple Summer Challenge.

Are there any costs associated with camps? 

Our camps are free for families. In the sponsor’s section, you can learn more about how the National Military Family Association keeps them free. The only money transfer associated with the program is a fully refundable $25 per camper “Hold My Spot” deposit.  

Families should consider camp-related expenses they may incur that the National Military Family Association does not currently cover:  

1. We are unable to cover any transportation costs related to getting your child to or from the camp location. 
2. We do not cover any medical costs associated with the camp, including, but not limited to, camper physicals, any public health-related testing or protocols required by specific campsites, or medications for campers. 
3. We do not cover items from camp packing lists. The camp will provide a list of supplies with some required items (see more information under “Preparing for Camp” FAQs) and each family is responsible for ensuring their campers have what they need. 

NMFA is committed to helping families overcome financial barriers between them and the camp whenever possible. Financial aid for local travel, “hold my spot” deposits, and camp supplies may be available; simply reach out to OPC@MilitaryFamily.org  

Why is there a deposit associated with my child’s acceptance?  

The “Hold my Spot” deposit is required to reserve your campers’ spot at camp. This deposit is 100% refundable. At the completion of the summer camp season, we will contact families with information about how to collect their refund. 

A deposit may be kept by NMFA to cover programming costs when a camper gives no notice of their withdrawal from the program and does not arrive at camp, effectively preventing anyone else from filling that bed. Camp requires a considerable amount of planning to include staffing, food preparation and ordering, and complex cabin assignments. When we make plans for a camper to be at camp, and they do not arrive, everyone loses out. The deposit we have set in place goes a small way to mitigate that loss should a camper not attend. 

When will I get my deposit back? 

NMFA returns deposits at the end of the summer season. Please expect an email from the Operation Purple Camp Team by September 5 with the process for getting your deposit returned. The same team processing refunds visits camps all summer, so we’re grateful for your patience as we work to get your deposits back to you in a timely fashion. 

Who sponsors Operation Purple Camp? 

The National Military Family Association runs all programming for and ensures funding of Operation Purple Camp. Our camp champions include the Wounded Warrior Project, Under Armour, and various other corporate and individual sponsors who donate generously to ensure this program continues to support as many military children as possible. We also acknowledge the generous support of our partner camps, who work with us year-round to ensure we can provide this transformational experience for military youth. 

Great question! And our staff can help you decide.

Where are Operation Purple Camps located? 

Our locations are selected specifically for their regional suitability, with consideration to locations of military installations and areas dense with military-connected families around the country. We announce camp locations and dates each February. Locations are subject to change each summer.

Can I send my children to a camp far away from us?  

While there are no specific restrictions related to a camper’s proximity to camp, we ask you to consider a few factors:

1. Transportation. As stated in our associated costs section, NMFA cannot cover transportation costs for campers. This means your family will be entirely responsible for covering all costs of any and all modes of transportation to arrive on-site at the camp on the first day and leave the camp on the final day.
2. Please Note: Camp partners require a parent or guardian to be with the camper at drop-off and pickup unless otherwise arranged with camp staff before arrival.
3. Emergency pickups. In very rare cases (medical emergencies, weather events, etc.), campers may need to be picked up from camp before the last day. It is your responsibility to have designated a trusted adult who can pick up your children and provide for their care in such an emergency.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact us via the OPC email.

How does Operation Purple ensure the quality of their host camps? 

Operation Purple partners with well-established camps that offer traditional summer camp opportunities for youth. These camps have been operating at their sites for decades (some for almost 100 years!) and have highly trained professional staff who specialize in creating a safe, educational, and fun environment for the youth in their care.

Our team uses the American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation standards as a baseline for choosing our camps to ensure we work with partners who implement high-quality safety protocols for campers. We interview our camp partners and conduct thorough site visits to any potential camp. Once selected, camp leaders attend additional training specific to Operation Purple to ensure seamless implementation of our curriculum while our campers are on-site.

Our goal is to have an NMFA staff member on-site for the entire week of camp to provide extra support to your children, camp staff, and MFLCs. We learn so much from our camp partners and use that learning to improve our program and provide a better experience to our campers and families every year.

My kids have never been to sleepover camp. Will they be okay? 

Many of our campers are brand new to the camping experience. While only your family can decide whether camp is the right choice for you, our Operation Purple team offers several ways to help you make that decision.

1. Come to our camp info session. Learn about a typical day at camp and ask any questions you may have.
2. Check out your camp’s website. Seeing pictures of the camp and learning about its program can help you and your children feel comfortable about the camp experience.
3. Join our Operation Purple Family Connection. There, you’ll be able to learn from our camp experts and other families about the experience and how to prepare yourself and your family for the camp experience.

What are Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and what is their role at camp? 

Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are made available through the Department of Defense as part of this Operation Purple program. All MFLCs are licensed professionals or clinicians. Their role is to aid program staff in areas pertaining to the Operation Purple Camp curriculum and to support participants as needed. MFLCs do:

• Meet families when they arrive at camp to help campers develop comfort with the environment and talk to families about their role.
• Participate in activities and meals throughout the week to build relationships with campers and offer support to camp staff.
• Ensure camp staff can effectively and compassionately address issues directly related to a child’s military experience.
• Provide extra support to campers facing challenges related to camp or military life.
• Follow the camp rules and expectations for camper safety, including the rule of threes, which requires at least three individuals to be together at any time.

MFLCs do NOT:

• Engage in 1:1 counseling sessions or therapeutic interventions with campers or staff.
• Do any sort of mental health diagnostics or assessments on campers.
• Provide follow-up services to campers after the experience ends.
• Report on any information shared by the camper unless required by law. Please note that Operation Purple Camp is not a therapeutic experience. If your child requires significant mental health interventions, please make sure to disclose those on your application so we can work with the camp to ensure they can provide a safe, secure environment for your child.

MFLCs are an essential part of Operation Purple Camp. They provide much-needed support to campers and staff alike, ensure a rich understanding of military life among all staff, and give campers one more trusted adult on site.

General Packing List: 

While each camp has a specific packing list they will send you (dependent on geographic area or specialized activities specific to that camp location), the following is a generic list of items that campers will likely want to have for a weeklong sleepaway camp:

• Bedding (Sleeping bag OR Twin sheet set, pillow)
• Comfortable shorts & shirts, underclothing, socks, pajamas for each day
• Closed-toe shoes (many camps require these when not at the pool or waterfront; some camps require water shoes)
• Layering items for colder weather camps or evenings (long pants, jeans or sweatpants, sweater or sweatshirt)
• Towels (pool/waterfront towel, Towel for the shower)
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste & brush, deodorant, comb or brush)
• Swimsuits (multiple full-coverage swimsuits)
• Rain gear or jacket
• Flashlight and batteries
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Reusable Water Bottle

Can my children bring their phones and devices to Operation Purple Camp? 

Operation Purple Camp is technology-free. Children are not allowed to keep phones and/or other electronic devices (including tablets, handheld game systems, and laptops) on site. This is a rare time in their lives when they can fully disconnect from technology and enjoy nature and the company of other military kids.

Cell phones and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices can impact camper safety and well-being. By removing access to technology, we strive to avoid exposure to social media bullying, unauthorized photographs and videos of other campers, and homesickness due to a lack of immersion into the camp environment. This also prevents the item from being lost, stolen, or damaged. Any cell phones or electronic devices brought to camp will be held by camp staff in a safe location until departure.

What happens if my camper gets homesick or has an emergency?

Camp staff are trained to watch for signs that campers are experiencing challenges adjusting to camp. Parents/guardians will be contacted if problems arise or if their child is experiencing a challenge. If your family faces any outside emergencies while the camper is on-site, you will be able to contact the camp staff in order to connect with your children.

You can support your camper before they arrive at camp by having them practice asking for help from a counselor, NMFA staff member, camp staff, or Military and Family Life Counselor. We encourage families to join our Operation Purple Family Connection Facebook group for more tips and advice about preparing yourself and your camper for their summer.

Will I get pictures of my kid(s) while they are at camp? 

Our camp partners vary in their ability to provide photos of your campers while they are on site. When possible, NMFA and/or the host site will take and post photos of campers during the week to a private sharing site for families. Please note the following:

• We make good-faith efforts to capture each camper enjoying different activities throughout the week, but we cannot guarantee your child(ren) will pose for or appear in any photos.
• We prioritize the safety of campers and their enjoyment of the on-site experience over photo sharing with families during the week. As such, photos are unlikely to be posted during the first 48 hours of the camp experience as staff and campers get to know each other and settle into the camp routine and may not appear until after the experience has ended.
• To protect the privacy and safety of campers, we will only post photos on the password-protected photo-sharing platform during the camp session. After the session concludes, photos may be shared publicly. We request that families use discretion before sharing photos in public forms that include campers outside of their family.

Photo sharing during the week of camp is an amazing bonus we like to offer families when we can. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize your camper’s experience.

My camper needs specific accommodations to be able to attend camp. Can they still attend? 

Our camps have lots of experience accommodating campers with a wide variety of needs. However, we cannot accommodate what we haven’t been informed of ahead of time. Please be as forthcoming as possible with your application for Operation Purple as well as on the health forms you submit to your host camp. This way, we can work to ensure the correct staffing, supplies, or facility arrangements for your camper. Should your family be accepted to camp, the camp may reach out to you directly to collaborate and create a camper plan that ensures your camper’s success during their week.

Please note that while NMFA strives to serve every military family, not all accommodations are possible due to the limitations of certain camp facilities and the staffing available on-site. Each of our host camps has different limitations in this regard. If you are unsure if camp is the right fit for your camper, we encourage you to reach out to Operation Purple staff before you apply at OPC@MilitaryFamily.org. We’d be happy to help you make a choice that works best for your family.

My child has dietary restrictions. Can they attend camp?

Our camps can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions from vegetarian to lactose intolerance and beyond. However, camps may make menus and order and prepare food in advance of your camper’s session. They cannot accommodate restrictions if they do not know they exist well before the week begins. Please mention any dietary restriction on the health forms you submit to camp AND reach out to your host camp directly in the time leading up to your arrival to ensure your campers can be met.

Families sign these policies and agreements as they complete their Operation Purple Camp application. We have shared them here for ease of access.

NMFA Waivers for Operation Purple Camp Waivers and Disclosures 

Order in application:  

• Age Verification 

• Information Disclosure 

• Participant Health and Safety Waiver 

• General Liability Waiver 

• Media Consent 

• Permission to work with an MFLC 

• Notice of Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Accommodations Policies 

• Survey Consent 

• Electronics Policy/Consent

Disclaimers, Waivers, and Notifications for the Camp Application

AGE VERIFICATION 

I certify that I am 21 years of age or older, am competent to contract on my own behalf and on behalf of my minor children, and that I am the parent or legal guardian of the child registered to participate in the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple program. 

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 

Because the National Military Family Association is a nonprofit corporation, the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552c) is not applicable. However, the Association wants participants to be fully aware of and acknowledge the need for and use of the information provided.  

• I, the applicant, voluntarily provide the required information with this Operation Purple® program application. To this end, I fully understand that: 
• My application will not be considered unless it is completed in full.  
• Completing my application does NOT mean my child(ren) has/have been accepted to an Operation Purple program. 
• All questions must be answered truthfully to the best of my ability. The National Military Family Association reserves the right to verify my application information.  
• My Personal Identifying Information will never be used for promotional purposes. Please see our privacy policy on the website for more information. Any of my answers to any question may be used for research purposes. 
• Applicants must provide current and functioning contact information for program staff, and I consent to be contacted regarding my application.   
• Submission of my application for this program means I will receive National Military Family Association emails. If I no longer want to receive these communications, I will need to unsubscribe.  If I opt to unsubscribe, I acknowledge that I may miss important communication regarding my application and/or Operation Purple program information.
• Operation Purple programs are open to ALL uniformed service families with some program-specific limitations. For more information, I will refer to the FAQ page for the program to which I am applying.  
• Program participants are selected based on a variety of criteria determined by the National Military Family Association.  
• Some Operation Purple programs require a “Hold My Spot” deposit if accepted. Failure to submit the deposit in the time specified may result in relinquishing my spot.  

The principal purposes of the requested information on the program application are to:   

• Verify the identity of the applicants and determine eligibility for the camp program.   
• To inform NMFA’s advocacy, conduct research, and evaluate programming. 

I have read the above statements. I understand and will comply with all the requirements listed. 

YES 

Participant Health and Safety Acknowledgment 

I understand health and safety standards are set by both NMFA and contracted host sites and may have specific health protocols in place that require additional steps on the part of all participants.  On behalf of all participating members of my family, I agree to the following:  

• I will fully read, understand, and comply with all regulations and procedures the camp sets forth regarding health and safety for participants and staff. 

• I acknowledge these policies may change as the program date approaches, and it is my responsibility to ensure that any participating member of my family understands and follows any additional protocols that are released. 

• I acknowledge that NMFA and host sites will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations regarding health and safety.  

• I understand that if I or any participating member of my family refuses to adhere to the health and safety rules of the host site and NMFA before or during the program, NMFA or site staff has the right to deny admittance or terminate participation.  

• I accept that there still is an inherent risk of contracting symptoms or illness when interacting with others during the program.

I have read the above statements. I understand and will comply with all the requirements listed. 

Yes, I understand and will comply with the health and safety policy. 

General Liability Waiver 

Assumption of Risk.  

I understand that the National Military Family Association (NMFA) takes reasonable precautions to ensure that Operation Purple® programs and activities are conducted by qualified personnel safely and responsibly. However, I further understand that these activities involve certain risks and may include, but are not limited to: horseback riding (including the inability to predict a horse’s reaction to sound, movements, objects or animals, and the inability to predict the hazards of surface/subsurface conditions), ropes courses, climbing, zip lines, swimming, diving, water sports, land sports, archery, boating, scuba diving, bicycling, hiking, amusement park rides, bus trips, weather conditions, plants, insects, and rugged terrain. I recognize these risks and agree to assume these risks if attending an Operation Purple program and participating in program activities. 

General Liability Waiver.  

On behalf of the camper named above, and as the camper’s parent or legal guardian: I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless the National Military Family Association, their officers, directors, agents, and employees (hereafter, “Released Parties”) from all liability for damage, injury, death, or illness related to or deriving from Operation Purple program participation, or camp-sponsored trips and activities, whether arising from an act or omission, negligent or otherwise, by the Released Parties, other campers, or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.  

Indemnification Agreement. 

On behalf of the camper(s) on this application, and as the camper’s parent or legal guardian: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from losses, liabilities or claims relating to or deriving from the camper’s participation in Operation Purple programs or activities. 

Yes, I have read and agree to the terms of the Operation Purple Camp general liability waiver and indemnification agreement. 

Media Consent 

Photographs, videos, direct quotes, audio clips, and/or other forms of media may be taken of minors and adults attending National Military Family Association (NMFA) events or participating in Association-sponsored programs and activities. The Association and our assigns request the right to use all such media taken from minors and adults involved in these programs and activities. They may be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, publications, promotional brochures, promotions, slideshows or showcases of programs on our websites, showcases of activities in local and/or national newspapers or programming, and other similar lawful purposes. 

Due to the nature of the Operation Purple Camp experience, NMFA cannot guarantee that any participant will be excluded from all media. As such, consent to this policy is required to be admitted to the Operation Purple Camp program. To protect the safety and privacy of all campers, no media of campers will be posted on public channels by NMFA during the camp session. Photos will only be posted publicly after the camp session has concluded. Please note that photos of all campers may be posted during the week to a private, password-protected photo-sharing site for the families with children attending that camp session.  

If special circumstances prevent your military family from participating solely based on this policy and you would still like to participate, please reach out directly to the NMFA team via email (OPC@MilitaryFamily.org). After receiving the request, NMFA and the program host camp will engage in an interactive dialogue to determine the precise limitations of the potential program participant and explore reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue burden/hardship on NMFA or the program host camp.  

I have read and understand the National Military Family Association Photo, Video, and Audio Consent and Release Form. By selecting yes, I consent and permit to allow the National Military Family Association the unlimited right to use photos, videos, direct quotes, audio clips, and/or other forms of media that they have of my family attending and/or participating in National Military Family Association programs or events. 

ONLY IF NO OPTION IS REQUIRED 

I have read and understand the National Military Family Association Photo, Video, and Audio Consent and Release Form. By selecting no, I understand my child’s application for this Operation Purple program will NOT be considered until I reach out to OPC@MilitaryFamily.org and agree to reasonable accommodations in writing. 

PERMISSION TO WORK WITH A MILITARY AND FAMILY LIFE COUNSELOR (MFLC) 

As part of this Operation Purple program, Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are made available through the Department of Defense. All MFLCs are licensed professionals or clinicians. Their role is to aid program staff in areas pertaining to the Operation Purple Camp curriculum and to support participants as needed. To learn more about what MFLCs provide at camp, please see the Operation Purple Camp FAQ. 

I hereby give my permission for any member of my family to participate in any individual and/or group activity led by the MFLC. I further grant permission for the assigned MFLC to have access to any and all medical or registration forms completed for the program. I understand that this permission in no way obligates the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to provide these services at any other future time. 

I have read and agree to the terms of the “Permission to work with Military Family and Life Counselor (MFLC)” statement 

• Yes 
• No 

Notice of Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Accommodations Policies 

Commitment to Equal Opportunity. NMFA is committed to providing program participants and staff with an environment free from any form of unlawful discrimination. NMFA is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving all military families. As such, NMFA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or other protected categories, classes, or characteristics. Actions related to program admission, participation, discipline, and other opportunities shall not be made based on any such status. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of how it is exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, or electronically displayed or conveyed. 

Prohibition of Harassment. Harassment of participants and staff is strictly prohibited. Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a person’s protected characteristics (e.g., race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and other factors protected by federal, state or local law) in circumstances where: (a) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued participation in camp; or (b) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. 

Accommodations Policy. NMFA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for program participants with disabilities. If a program participant requires an accommodation because of a disability, then they must contact both NMFA and program host camp to provide a description of the specific accommodation requested, the reason for the need for accommodation, and how the accommodation will allow the individual to participate in the program. After receiving the request, NMFA and the program host camp will engage in an interactive dialogue to determine the precise needs or limitations of the potential program participant and explore reasonable accommodations that could overcome those limitations, to the extent reasonable accommodations can be made without imposing an undue burden/ hardship/ safety risk on program host camp. The program host camp makes all final determinations about reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis using an individualized assessment of each person, the capabilities of the staff, and the accessibility of the facilities in question. 

I have read and understood NMFA’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Accommodations Policy. I agree to hold myself and my family to honor this policy with regard to this program. 

Notice and Consent for Operation Purple Camp Surveys  

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is a nonprofit organization that works with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life. We survey our Operation Purple program participants and their parents or legal guardians (“you”) to help us evaluate and improve our programs, advertise and/or fundraise for our programs, and support our research and advocacy goals in service of our mission. 

If your child participates in one of our Operation Purple programs you and/or your child(ren) may be asked to complete one or more surveys by NMFA and/or our partners about the program or specific program elements. It is your decision if you and/or your child(ren) respond to our surveys. 

Responses to survey questions may be used by NMFA, our program host camps, and/or other select partners for analysis to better meet the needs of military families, improve our programs, and advocate on behalf of families. Specific responses will be collected and anonymized, so your personal information (such as your name, email address, mailing address, age, phone number, or military service-related information) is not connected to the information we collect in the surveys about program-specific elements.   

We do not use or sell the personal information we collect (including your name, email address, mailing address, or phone number) in these surveys for marketing or online advertising.  

Parents or legal guardians may contact us to ask if we have collected your child’s personal information, to review that information, if any, and request that NMFA stop collecting this information, if applicable. NMFA will endeavor to accommodate such requests as required by law and subject to NMFA verifying to our satisfaction that the requestor is, in fact, the child’s parent or legal guardian. 

In addition to the above, our general Privacy Policy and our Privacy Policy for Children Under Age 13 is available on our website. 

I confirm that I have read and understand the above, and I understand that the National Military Family Association may survey me or my child(ren) about their experience with the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple programming. I understand that participation in surveys is optional, and my child’s participation in the Operation Purple program is not conditioned on completion of the survey. I further consent to the National Military Family Association surveying my child(ren) about the program and consent to the National Military Family Association using, analyzing, and disclosing those responses as described above. 

YES 
NO 

Cell Phone/Electronics Policy 

Operation Purple Camp is technology-free. All program participants must not bring or have on site any phones and/or other electronic devices (including tablets, handheld game systems, and laptops, etc.), so they can focus on being a kid, building relationships, and being 100% present at camp. This is a rare time in their life when they can fully disconnect from technology and enjoy nature and the company of other military kids.   

Cell phones and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices are a liability to camper safety and well-being. By removing access to technology, we strive to avoid exposure to social media bullying, unauthorized photographs and videos of other campers, and homesickness due to a lack of immersion into the camp environment. This also prevents the item from being lost, stolen, or damaged. Any cell phones or electronic devices brought to camp will be held by program staff in a safe location until the day of departure. Having an unauthorized device on site is grounds for immediate removal from the program and/or prohibition of future program participation. 

Camp staff are trained to watch for signs that campers are experiencing challenges adjusting to camp. If a camper needs to contact home, they should speak with their counselor, camp staff, the Military and Family Life Counselor, or an NMFA staff member. Parents/guardians will be contacted if problems arise or if their child is experiencing a challenge. Additionally, in the event of a family emergency, parents/guardians will be able to contact camp staff in order to reach their camper. 

I have read and understand that no cell phones or electronic devices will be allowed at Operation Purple Camp. Our family will comply with this policy. 

Yes, I understand, and our family will comply with the cell phone and electronics policy.