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Teens serve too

  • Published
  • By Capt. Antonia Greene
  • 72nd Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Approximately 50 teens, several from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, took part in the National Military Family Association Operation Purple Teen Camp 2010 held July 19 to 23 at Villanova University, in Villanova, Pa.

"Spark the Wave" was the theme of this specialized summer workshop aimed to empower teens to be strong community leaders while helping them deal with and embrace the daily challenges unique to being part of a military family.

After a weeklong camp focusing on volunteerism and community service, the attendees expressed their appreciation and excitement.

"I am proud of my Dad for serving our nation every day," said Hannah Henderson, 14. "This camp was great because we all had a chance to interact with other teens experiencing similar things in a positive way. The counselors were very hands-on, and we all made new friends."

The teens discussed topics such as "How to make a group work for you," "What it takes to be a leader," "How to 'Talk the Talk' of a leader," and "How do I make My idea become a reality."

Through workshops on communication, leadership, group dynamics, service and project planning, the Operation Purple campers experienced the impact one individual and, moreover, a strong team can have on the community.

The Pre-Camp Service Project "Operation Each One, Reach One," directed the campers to collect canned and non-perishable food items along with gently-used clothing prior to their arrival at Villanova July 19. This drive was the precursor to the 40-hour mini-service project entitled "Hunger and Homelessness," executed during the weeklong on-site at Villanova. In partnership with such organizations as "Philabundance" and "Cradles to Crayons," the campers sorted, packaged and delivered the items to the appropriate recipients in the greater-Philadelphia area. This project served as a real-world exercise in community service.

"I'm glad my mom signed me up; I learned a lot about leadership and standing up for what you believe in," said Anthony Falkenstein, 13.

With an added focus on environmental education, the teens spent considerable time learning and exploring the outside environment, including a visit to Valley Forge National Park. Many team events and activities were held outdoors to emphasize the significance of the environment and show the teens how they can help preserve the environment for future generations.

The camp fees were waived to many participants, in part from the support of the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation.