Free summer military youth camp to be held July 29-Aug. 4

SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla. (April 20, 2012) – Florida’s military children will once again be able to attend a free summer camp in central Florida this year.

The Florida Elks Youth Camp (FEYC) for Military Dependents will be held in Umatilla, Fla., July 29 – Aug. 4, and is open to children, ages 9-16 who are dependants of active and reserve military members serving in Florida.

Florida Elks Youth Camp (FEYC) for Military Dependents, 2011. Photo by Master Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa

The normal cost to send a child to this camp is $180 per child, however, during this special military week of Summer Camp it is completely free. 

Soldiers from Florida’s Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) program – who normally offer curriculums to Florida schools about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse – will attend and assist during the week-long camp at the Florida Elks Youth Camp.

“We guarantee that the children attending this summer camp will leave with a positive experience along with connections to new friends,” said Drug Demand Reduction Administrator Capt. Jeanette Kingsley. “They will be exposed to a professional camp staff consisting of seasoned camp employees, college student counselors, and military cadre on orders with the Florida National Guard Counterdrug program.”

During the week the children will have the opportunity to experience many outdoor sports and activities such as archery, canoeing, soccer, swimming, basketball, and the high ropes in a safe and secure environment.  In addition, they will gain knowledge on teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and setting positive future goals from the camp staff. 

FEYC follows a first-come, first-serve format of completed applications and they are only accepting 350 children. Military parents and guardians are encouraged to send their applications in as soon as possible as the seats will start to fill.

For more information and applications visit: http://www.floridaelks.org/FEYC/index.html

The Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program has successfully supported this camp for the past four years. (See article from last year’s camp: Guard supports summer camp for Florida’s military youth.)

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