The Kentucky Military Teen Adventure Camp program has been funded for another year (2022 & 2023). Three camps were held this fiscal year of (1 camp in July 2022 & 2 camps in June 2023. The camps are for Parent service members (or spouses) and their teenage children. One hundred forty-nine participants from all service branches, including Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Veterans, attended. Families traveled from states including CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC NE, NY, OK, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WA. The program focuses on connecting, teamwork, bonding, and bringing families of similar backgrounds together to build relationships that can support each other.

Testimonials from camp included:

Youth participants said:

"Everything was the 'best' part of attending MTAC. Closely connecting with teens like me and my military parent are two great highlights."

"I learned to be more active and involved than on my phone all the time."

 "The best part about MTAC is the relationship you build with your parent and the relationships you can build with peers."

"I got to meet people with similar life experiences and relate to them."

"MTAC has helped me meet more kids my age and make me feel connected."

Adult participants said:

"I spent six out of the first ten years of my daughter's life serving overseas with special operations. We have four other kids, and I rarely get one-on-one time with any kids. These camps have provided a great opportunity to spend quality time with my daughter and make memories that we will never forget." 

"The transition out of the military has been a difficult life/career transition for me. My son had also recently transitioned from middle school into high school. This camp allowed us to discuss our recent challenges and develop communication and tools to better support each other at home."

KY MTAC will continue to help build family networks and programs for teens to experience high adventure challenges while connecting to their peers and parents.