2026 free (or discounted) camps & activities for military children & teens
Return to Military Children & Teen Directory of Resources - LINK
A Backpack Journalist summer workshops and camps (South Carolina)
"Helping youth find their voice - through Narrative Writing, Reporting and Broadcast, Songwriting, Film making, Cowboy Poetry and Digital Storytelling. It is all about creative expression. For youth, we encourage youth between the ages of 12-18 to use the latest, greatest tech tools and their own talents! For military youth and service members, especially diagnosed with PTSD or TBI, our writing and journaling and digital storytelling are focused on helping each service member work through the issues each face.
Armed Services YMCA - Horse of the Sun Ranch (San Diego, CA)
Horse of the Sun Ranch is a program site of the Armed Serviced YMCA San Diego. Located in the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest, our mission is to connect people with horses—and in doing so, reconnect them with themselves, their families, and the natural world.
We proudly serve our active-duty military families, veterans, and the public, offering respite and retreat programs that provide rest, reflection, and renewal. Through our unique, natural horsemanship approach, visitors learn to build trust with their horse partner from the hoof to mane. Gaining far more than riding skills, the experience focuses on building presence, partnership, and peace.
Our 14 horses, each with their own breed, background, and personality, serve as wise and willing teachers. Whether you’re grooming, leading, or riding, every interaction offers new insights, calm, and opportunities for reflection.
The ranch also offers a place for all ages and backgrounds to connect, grow, and play. Our other programs include:
- Children’s Camps that combine horsemanship with outdoor adventure
- Natural Horsemanship Lesson Programs
- Team-Building Day Retreats for groups seeking connection and collaboration
- Family Ranch Days packed with fun for all ages
- Home School Programming
Other activities range from archery and laser tag to leather crafting and pony rides for kids, designed to deepen bonds, spark joy, and build memories in a mountain setting.
At Horse of the Sun Ranch, we believe in the transformative power of horses and nature. Whether you’re a veteran seeking quiet and connection, a child learning to ride for the first time, or a military family looking for a meaningful day together, you’ll find it here.
Armed Services YMCA - Operation Camp
Camps and camping opportunities offered throughout the year at our branches and affiliate locations continue to be one of ASYMCA’s most popular programs. Camps encourage healthy living as part of our core mission of strengthening our military family and provide much needed recreational and bonding opportunities for military children and families who have experienced multiple deployments.
Badger Youth Camp (Camp Douglas, WI)
Badger Youth Camp 2026 will be held at Camp Lakotah June 24-28, 2026. Badger Youth Camp is for dependent children of currently serving service members.
Badger Youth Camp is a military simulation theme is a residential camp designed for youth from military families that combines traditional camp experiences with hands-on, military-style activities. These may include outdoor adventures, leadership development, arts and crafts, sports, and resilience-building workshops. Badger Youth Camp incorporates programs that help campers develop coping skills, confidence, and a sense of community.
Camp Corral
The mission of Camp Corral is to transform the lives of children of wounded, injured, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing a unique summer camp experience.
The vision behind Camp Corral is one where kids, ages 8 to 15, are free to be kids, far away from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of military service members and veterans. We partner with some of the best camps around the United States to host each session. Camp Corral has proven to be a “week of a lifetime,” providing kids non-stop fun with activities like canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenges, horseback riding, and more. Campers have the priceless opportunity to connect with other kids who understand the unique challenges that come with military life. Each of our host camps provides top-quality programming that teaches the skills needed to build emotional resilience. The positive effects may follow a child for a lifetime.
Camp Eagle Adventure Camps (Rocksprings, TX)
Camp Eagle is a Christian outdoor adventure camp offering programs year-round for all ages in order to inspire Christ-like change. We exist to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and biblical truth.
Camp Eagle is nestled in a beautiful and rugged environment that is perfect for the casual camper, outdoor adventurer, or extreme sport enthusiast. While beauty and adventure draw many to the camp, the experiences and relationships make the greatest impact. Activities are more than just fun; each one is geared to inspire and transform lives towards a deeper relationship with Christ.
Military families receive a 50% discount to rest and enjoy all that Camp Eagle has to offer. Military discount varies for Gap Year program
Camp Mariposa (for children impacted by substance abuse in their families)
Camp Mariposa is a free, weekend overnight camp program that supports children between the ages of 9-12 who are impacted by substance abuse in their families. Camp Mariposa gives these children the knowledge, tools and coping skills to prevent them from developing an addiction of their own and to help break the intergenerational cycle of addiction. Camp is offered six times a year and campers are encouraged to attend multiple sessions There are currently 8 locations across the United States.
Camp Soles (Rockwood, PA)
For more than 70 years, Camp Soles has provided high quality and affordable overnight, family camp, and retreat programs. Located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, our 200+ acre facility is recognized by many as one of the most beautiful camps in North America. Campers have the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of activities including swimming, canoeing, paddleboards, Gaga ball, arts and crafts, pickleball, climbing wall, zipline, fishing, target sports, soccer, hiking, drama, nature study, and much more.
While camp activities are an important part of the summer camp experience, they are actually the tools we use to teach campers how to build meaningful friendships, create lifelong memories, and develop responsibility. The focus is definitely on fun and the personal growth that comes with it!
2026 SPECIAL DISCOUNTS DATES & RATES - Exclusive discounts are offered to children of parents who are active or retired military personnel or healthcare workers.
Camp Southern Ground (Fayetteville, GA)
Our mission is to operate a camp to allow children to overcome academic, social and emotional difficulties so they may reach their full potential and provide the tools necessary to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives. We serve all children from all backgrounds, races and religions, with a special focus on those young people with neurobehavioral needs; at risk populations and children from military families.
Department of Defense Summer Camp Experiences
During the school year, it's easy to fill your children's schedules with activities - but what about during the summer? If your children are looking for something exciting to do, the Department of Defense (DoD) is here to help. Each year, the DoD provides summer camp opportunities for your children, giving them a chance to have fun, meet new people, and develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.
4-H Military Partnership Camps
A list of camps for military children through 4-H across the nation. States, communities, and higher education institutions are responding to COVID-19 based on a variety of local factors, and institutions may adjust their scheduled dates, registration deadlines or other components for these camps.
Freedom Hunters
Freedom Hunters is a military outreach program dedicated to honoring those who protect our freedoms. Our mission is to salute the noble work of our courageous men and women of our Armed Forces. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community's appreciation to our troops by taking: select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes, children of the deployed, as well as those wounded or injured, on outdoor adventures. Freedom Hunters mission is empowered by the generous support of many: sportsmen, conservation groups, state agencies, outfitters, corporations, and land owners.
Girls on Ice
Girls on Ice is a unique, FREE, wilderness science education program for high school girls. Each year two teams of 9 teenage girls and 3 instructors spend 11 days exploring and learning about mountain glaciers and the alpine landscape through scientific field studies with professional glaciologists, ecologists, artists, and mountaineers. One team explores Mount Baker, an ice-covered volcano in the North Cascades of Washington State. The other team sleeps under the midnight sun exploring an Alaskan glacier. Military kids are encouraged to apply!
Hero Kids Foundation (Virginia Beach, VA)
Hero Kids Foundation was founded on the realization that nature – specifically, horses – can do a lot of good for a family’s overall communication and bond. Our nature-based approach to therapy, including equine therapy, surf and kayak excursions and family counseling, helps families of first responders, military and law enforcement connect with one another, restore communication and thrive as a unit.
HomeFront Equestrians, Inc. (Ware, MA)
Founded as a way of giving back to military families, HomeFront Equestrians, Inc. offers hands on horsemanship; from grooming and groundwork to riding and showing, we offer an in-depth program for military families in a fun, positive and educational environment.
Horses for Heroes
Horses4Heroes mission is to provide affordable outdoor recreational programs for children, ages 2 to 17, whose parents are active duty service members, veterans, first responders and to offer mental health and wellness programs with horses to veterans and first responders, recovering addicts, survivors of domestic abuse, violence, trauma and trafficking and at-risk youth and teens.
Military Teen Adventure Camps (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia, Washington)
Locations - LINK
Would you like to spend time whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, winter camping, backpacking, exploring the environment, running ropes courses, or practicing wilderness skills? What if you could do these activities with other military youth just like you?
Military teens (14-18 years old of Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Retired personnel) will have an opportunity to participate in adventure camps at little to no cost. These high energy, high adventure, and high experience camps are planned across the United States from Washington to New York and the states in between. This is the perfect chance for you to experience the outdoors as you never have before!
Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow you to build your leadership, self-confidence, and teamwork skills while engaging with the outdoors. Camps have funding available to assist with transportation costs.
There is something for everyone!
Minnesota National Guard Youth/Teen Camp (Camp Ripley, MN)
The Minnesota National Guard Youth/Teen Camp is for children of active and retired Minnesota National Guard service members. Activities include archery, hiking, biking, canoeing and camping - all while connecting with other military kids. Exploring a training site at Camp Ripley, seeing various military vehicles and marching in formation help youth better understand the military their parents serve in.
Week 1: July 26 - August 1, 2026
Week 2: August 2-8, 2026
National Infantry Museum Kids Summer Camps (Columbus, GA)
NIM Kids Summer Camp - Each year the National Infantry Museum hosts Camp NIM! Kids ages 7-12 can choose from a variety of day camps throughout the summer that best fit their age and interests. Each camp session is designed to promote Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage – the distinct Army Values.
Our campers enjoy daily activities at our unique World War II Company Street and benefit from proximity to local partners for exciting off-site experiences.
Operation Purple Camp (National Military Family Association)
At NMFA, we believe that Military Kids Serve Too®, which is why, since 2004, we have been celebrating that service by providing FREE weeklong summer camp experiences across the country.
Exclusively for military-connected children, NMFA enhances the traditional camp experience with a curriculum that focuses on intentional skill-building and connection to other kids with military life experiences.
Campers and families are also connected to additional resources–such as support from mental health professionals–to improve their well-being while at camp and provide a framework for ongoing support long after the camp experience has ended.
Military kids leave camp with pride in their own contributions, meaningful connections with a community of peers, and skills to tackle the challenges of military family life.
Operation Teammate
Operation Teammate partners with collegiate and professional sports organizations to hold events where military children become honorary teammates for the day. These impactful athlete interactions are a fun-filled day of mentorship, games, and activities to recognize the military child for their sacrifice and also their resilience, bravery, and strength.
Our Military Kids - National Guard and Reserves
The Our Military Kids Deployed Program provides activity funding for children (age 1-18) of National Guard or Reserve service members who are experiencing an overseas deployment OR activation on a stateside, named mission.
Our Military Kids® funds activities for eligible military children -- children of National Guard or Reserve service members who are experiencing an overseas deployment OR activation on a stateside, named mission AND children of veterans or military in any branch of service who are receiving care for combat-related injuries or illness.
Patriot's Point - Operation Overnight (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Become a United States sailor aboard the historic USS Yorktown by participating in Operation Overnight. During your adventure, you’ll walk among some of our military’s most notable airplanes and ships while learning what life was like for Navy sailors. You’ll sleep in traditional Navy berthing compartments and eat meals in one of the ship’s many galleys. While aboard, you’ll hear stories of heroism and experience the WWII aircraft carrier like no other as you go behind the scenes to Live Like a Sailor.
(Not a camp and not free but worthy of sharing!)
Pine Cove (East Texas, Central Texas, South Carolina)
Pine Cove is a gospel-centered Christian camp with ten camp properties in East Texas, Central Texas, and South Carolina, and a traveling day camp program that brings camp to dozens of locations across the Southeast. Pine Cove is a growing, longstanding ministry with 50 years of camping experience. Pine Cove energetically serves more than 30,000 campers each summer with awesome activities, highly trained counselors, and a Christ-centered, others-focused, and seriously fun outlook.
Pine Cove offers scholarships for military families, but they need to apply through their scholarship program. They offer 50% off for family or youth camps.
SAME - Society of American Military Engineers Camp (Honolulu, Vicksburg, Jacksonville, Colorado Springs, Camp Lejeune, Port Hueneme)
Are you ready for a summer experience that’s hands-on, high-impact, and unforgettable? SAME’s STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps offer high school students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the world of engineering, construction, and design—right on a military base.
Led by SAME professionals and dedicated volunteers from the military and engineering communities and supported financially by many including SAME Posts and the SAME Foundation, these camps immerse students in project-based learning that builds real skills, sparks curiosity, and opens doors to future education and careers in STEM.
Send a Kid to Camp (Island Lake and Miracle Ranch, Washington)
The Crista Camps' Military Kids Camp provides a fun-filled, adventurous, and supportive community, a cherished retreat for those in military families.
Kids of active duty, reserve, and retired military—come for a week or weekend at Miracle Ranch, located in Port Orchard, near Seattle, Washington, to play paintball, ride horses, make new friends, and more! Spend time with peers who relate to being in a military family.
Seven Stars Foundation
The purpose of the Seven Stars Foundation is to make a positive impact on the children of military members which include the fallen, wounded, active, deployed, and reservists. We accomplish this mission by sponsoring the children to YMCA camps across the country for a week where they can establish lasting bonds with new friends.
S.K.I.F.F. (Texas - Fort Hood, Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, Salado, and Temple)
Free fishing trips for kids separated from a parent by military duty.
S.K.I.F.F. stands for Soldiers' Kids Involved in Fishing Fun. S.K.I.F.F. fishing trips for kids are absolutely free of charge to the children of military personnel who are away from home on military duty including field time, NTC or JRTC rotations, military schooling, TDY assignments, deployment, and unaccompanied tours.
S.K.I.F.F. trips are paid for by donations from the membership of the Austin Fly Fishers and by funds they raise for this worthy cause. Austin Fly Fishers is a fly-fishing club based in Austin, Texas. Your children do not have to be referred or recommended by another individual to participate. All it takes is a phone call from a parent to get the ball rolling.
The Brendan Looney Foundation (scholarships and grants)
The Brendan Looney Foundation is committed to helping individuals and families reach their fullest potential. Scholarships, awards and grants are based on need and aligned values with the foundation. Scholarships, awards & grants include but are not limited to:
- Education
- Physical education/camps
- Deployment support
- U.S. Military support programs/initiatives
The Rosie Network - Millitary Kidpreneur Camp (Ramona, CA)
Our virtual camp explores the possibilities in a positive environment and supportive approach that encourages team building and collaboration and promotes self-confidence.
The Rosie Network’s Military Kidpreneur Camp empowers the next generation of military entrepreneurs through an interactive curriculum and daily small group mentoring by inspiring critical thinking, problem solving, creative brain-storming techniques and having FUN. Explore the possibilities in a positive environment and supportive approach that encourages teambuilding, collaboration, and promotes self-confidence. Each day teens will learn a new concept that will prepare them for the last day of camp where they will present their business pitch deck.
Tiny Troops Soccer (Numerous locations nationwide and international)
Soccer classes for toddlers and preschoolers who are still learning how to join in.
Join us for weekly classes and your child will meet new friends, improve their gross motor skills, and master the basics of soccer! Our interactive classes ensure that your child gets to experience group settings, develops listening skills, participates in purposeful movement time, and is ready to take on league soccer.
The TTS membership includes year-round classes so you can join us when it works for your family and take a break if necessary. Not free.
United Heroes League for Military Kids
United Heroes League has provided over $12 MILLION dollars' worth of free sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, skill development camps, and special experiences to military families across the US & Canada.
USA Patriots Kids Camp (Kent, WA)
Kids Camp began in 2014 and has grown into our largest program! This camp offers a one-of-a-kind, fully funded experience for children ages 8–12 with amputations or limb differences, bringing together young campers and veteran athletes in a powerful, supportive environment.
This year camp will be held July 13–19, 2026 in Kent, Washington. This week-long camp covers all travel, lodging, and meals for each selected child and a parent or guardian.
Many campers arrive having never met someone who looks like them, and leave with confidence, lifelong friendships, and practical skills for navigating daily life. Guided by veteran mentors who serve as coaches and role models, campers learn adaptive techniques and experience firsthand the strength that comes from shared experiences.
VETLIFE - Little Troops on the Field (Howell, MI)
Little Troops on the Field is a free 3-hour football clinic for military children ages 8-12 years old. All registered children in attendance will receive a complementary t-shirt, snack, football, and autographs by former Detroit Lions football players. Experienced coaches and Lions players will be taking children through a training with emphasis on teaching the game and improving techniques for all skill levels and positions.
VFW Camp Trotter (Newaygo, MI)
For 77 years, we've been creating unforgettable summer experiences for kids ages 7–12 — open to military-connected and civilian families alike. No VFW affiliation required.
We believe every child deserves the chance to experience camp. That's why we've kept it affordable and accessible while delivering a week packed with adventure, friendship, and growth.
Camp Trotter is a nonprofit, state-licensed, residential camp on the shores of Bills Lake in Newaygo County, wholly owned and operated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Michigan.
Unplug, connect, and grow with us this summer — where courage, community, and curiosity come alive. (Not free)
YMCA Camp Carson (Princeton, IN)
Operation Military Support and Camp Corral.
Other opportunities for military kids
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program
Would you like to honor and serve America? Do you want to prepare for your future while making new friends? Then rise to the challenge of cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.
Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
To become a cadet, you must be be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.
Naval Sea Cadet Corps
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for American youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs.
The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is for boys and girls, at least 10 but not yet 14 years old, who are interested in the sea and ships, and our nation's seagoing services. The Navy League program is designed to introduce young people to maritime and military life, and to prepare them for later entrance into the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
Young Marines
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Copyright 2008 - 2026 Benita Koeman, Operation We Are Here. All rights reserved.
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