Do you know a military family that would like to have lots of fun at a free camp this summer? The Kentucky Operation: Military Kids grant is once again offering free camps for military families!

This year we have three new places, three new adventures, and lots of new memories to make. Our family camps are open to Kentucky families from any branch of the military. This includes Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard. First priority will be given to families that have a member who has been deployed.

Our first camp will take place May 28-29, 2011, at the Louisville Science Center. Participants will take part in “See It, Solve It,” where families must work as a team to investigate and solve a mystery. They will learn the basics of forensics and biology. They will use scientific principles like deduction and analysis to solve the crime. Families will also have time to explore the exhibits and be the star guests at an exclusive IMAX film presentation. Later that night families will go on an overnight adventure. They will explore the unknown and trek though exhibits on a flashlight safari.

Our second camp will take place July 8-9, 2011, at Mammoth Cave. While visiting the cave, families will have a chance to choose between two different cave tours, the “New Entrance” or “Historic.”

Another great adventure participants will get to take part in is kayaking along the Green River. While on a kayaking trip families will experience great scenery, limestone bluffs, and a small cave.

Our third camp will take place August 5-6, 2011, at the Newport Aquarium. Families will get a behind the scene tour and see what it takes to run an aquarium of this size. Families will participate in animal encounters and a scavenger hunt. In the morning they will have a once in a lifetime experience as they eat Breakfast with the Penguins. Later families will learn about the historic waterfronts aboard the amphibious DUCK vehicles.

At all of our camps, teens will participate in a Speak Out for Military Kids program. Younger children and parents will take part in post-deployment activities.

For more information please go to http://www.ca.uky.edu/hes/index.php?p=590

Source: Stephanie Moses, Extension Associate for Family and Consumer Sciences and Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture.