Military families often face unique challenges, such as frequent relocations and extended deployments, which can lead to emotional distance and strained communication. One of the stressors that many military families face is missing key moments in their teens' lives. These moments can include birthdays, graduations, sporting events, and much more.  KY Military Teen Adventure camps (MTAC) were created to provide families with an opportunity to enjoy moments that may be missed.  This Camp grant, directed by Kerri Ashurst (Senior FCS Specialist) and coordinated by Tyrone Atkinson (FCS Specialist), addresses the issues that many families face, as they often lack the time to escape the busyness of daily activities. It also provides an experience that is free of charge, which some families may not be able to afford otherwise.  The grant is a way to give back to service members and their families a small portion of what they offer to help our nation's citizens enjoy their freedoms.

KY MTAC offers a transformative experience for both military parents and their teens, fostering stronger family connections through shared adventure and purposeful teamwork. These camps provide a unique opportunity for parents and teens to reconnect outside their everyday routines, allowing them to engage in meaningful, enjoyable, and physically active experiences together. Through team-building exercises and high-adventure activities, such as white-water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, water sports, and outdoor recreation, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and rely on one another. These shared challenges promote trust and open dialogue and also cause families to bond with other families who come from similar backgrounds. These camps continue to address the critical components of healthy relationships, especially during the teenage years. The camp’s structured, yet supportive environment helps both parents and teens develop stronger emotional resilience and better communication skills, which they can carry home long after camp ends.

The MTAC Nantahala Whitewater Rafting and Outdoor Adventure event brought together 50 family members from around the country to experience a weekend filled with thrills, high adventure, friendship, and great memories.

KY MTAC has proven to provide families with moments away from technology, allowing them to enjoy each other's company and reconnect. MTAC post-test themes show that families feel more connected after attending these camps.