Camp Desert Kids

Reducing the Challenges of Deployment

There are more than 1 million military kids, most of whom will be affected by deployment during their childhood. Deployment is challenging for children, not only because they do not always understand the separation from their parent, but also because they have trouble conceptualizing where Mom or Dad has gone and what they're doing there.

Through a fun and educational event hosted at locations across the country, Camp Desert Kids gives military children the opportunity to experience deployment with their homefront parent in a unique way. 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.

A Kid-Friendly Educational Event

Camp Desert Kids is designed especially for children, who travel through a series of educational stations:

Troop Readiness Center

At the Troop Readiness Center, children are welcomed to Camp Desert Kids with a "passport" that guides them through their experience. They have the opportunity to dress-up like Mom or Dad in camouflage gear and have their photo taken for their passport.

Headquarters

At Headquarters, children learn interesting facts about the geography, language, and customs of Afghanistan, gaining a special understanding of the country where their parent is serving.

Afghanistan

When children "travel" to the country where their parent is deployed, they are able to experience first-hand the culture of Afghanistan and their parent's mission. With the help of cultural experts and military volunteers, kids get hands-on experience with local food, currency, native clothing, and military equipment.

Mess Hall


After a long deployment, what’s better than a slice of pizza? Each child enjoy's a meal as they discuss their experience with parents, friends, and volunteers, while parents have the opportunity to provide feedback out the event.

Out-Processing 


Before leaving Camp Desert Kids, children are given a t-shirt as a reminder of their experience and parents are provided with a educational literature that helps them continue their child's experience at home.