The mission of the Families United Camp Desert Kids program is to help military children better understand the deployments that shape their lives. Deployment is challenging for children, not only because they do not understand the separation from their parent, but also because they have trouble conceptualizing where Mom or Dad have gone. Through a fun and educational event, Camp Desert Kids gives military children the opportunity to experience deployment with their homefront parent in a unique way. It serves to help American children learn that Iraqi and Afghan children do the same things they do— just differently. Utilizing games, maps, fun facts, cultural activities, crafts, regional food and drink, and even the chance to dress up like Mom or Dad in full camouflage gear, Camp Desert Kids works to reduce the unknown in our military children’s lives.
Watch A Short Video About Camp Desert Kids
How Camp Desert Kids Works
Upon arrival, each child will receive a Camp Desert Kids T-shirt and their official Camp Desert Kids passport to guide them through the event. Throughout the event, they will visit:
Troop Readiness Center
At the Troop Readiness Center, children are able to dress-up like Mom or Dad in camouflage gear and have their photo taken for their passport.
Headquarters
At Headquarters, children color a postcard specific to Iraq or Afghanistan that will be mailed to their deployed parent. While coloring, children also have the opportunity to learn interesting facts about Iraq and Afghanistan.
Iraq/Afghanistan
When children travel to the country where their parent is deployed, they are able to experience the culture first hand. This room features full size photos, tapestries, tents, food, costumes, and more. Children are able to visualize where their parent is and what they might eat, while also learning the activities of children from the related country. Different fun facts and cultural information will be discussed with them as they enter the tents and wander around the room.
Mess Hall
After a long deployment, what’s better than a slice of pizza? How about two slices of pizza? Each child will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal as they discuss their experience with parents, friends, and volunteers of the event.
Out-Processing
Before leaving Camp Desert Kids, children and parents are able to learn more about Families United and our community outreach programs as well as event sponsors.
For More Information If you have questions or would like to have Camp Desert Kids visit your installations, please contact your local field representative or email cdk@familiesunitedusa.org.
The mission of the Families United Camp Desert Kids program is to help military children better understand the deployments that shape their lives. Deployment is challenging for children, not only because they do not understand the separation from their parent, but also because they have trouble conceptualizing where Mom or Dad have gone. Through a fun and educational event, Camp Desert Kids gives military children the opportunity to experience deployment with their homefront parent in a unique way. It serves to help American children learn that Iraqi and Afghan children do the same things they do— just differently. Utilizing games, maps, fun facts, cultural activities, crafts, regional food and drink, and even the chance to dress up like Mom or Dad in full camouflage gear, Camp Desert Kids works to reduce the unknown in our military children’s lives.
