In a military family, everyone serves. When military service leads to illness, injury, or even loss, their children are often left with feelings of extreme isolation, loneliness, and anxiety due to their unique challenges and needs. They are required to take on adult worries and stressors and, in effect, miss out on a true childhood. With America’s youth already facing a mental health crisis, challenges are magnified for these children as they navigate a new normal.

In its mission to serve children of the nation’s wounded, ill and fallen military heroes through camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs, Camp Corral offers residential summer camp programs designed specifically to empower these children to make connections, build coping skills, increase self-confidence, and enjoy time just being kids. Children who participate in Camp Corral’s programs experience adventure, test their limits, challenge their fears, celebrate their accomplishments, and make life affirming friendships that assure them they are not alone.

Since 2011, more than 35,000 military-connected children have made friends, strengthened their resiliency, and found a sense of strength by spending time with peers who truly understand the unique nature of their childhood. Camp Corral’s intentional non-clinical approach adds depth to the layered approach to increasing overall mental wellbeing in children aged 8-15. Thanks to dedicated partners and donors, Summer Camp is offered at no charge to families. A small, fully refundable “Hold My Spot” deposit of $30.00 per child during registration but can then be returned to the family during camp drop-off.

A former youth caregiver – now an active duty Navy Seaman – was asked what can be done to support children following in her footsteps as members of wounded and fallen warrior homes. Her response was simply, “Give them a childhood.” Camp Corral’s mission is to do just that…to give them a chance to just be kids.