![]() Visitors and community partners included representatives from the Fort Barfoot-based 34th Civil Support Team, the Winchester-based STARBASE Academy, the Virginia Beach Police Department’s mounted patrol and the Virginia Beach Police Department’s SWAT team. “There is a lot of preparation and planning throughout the year for this event, but in the end, it could not be made possible without amazing people like our volunteers who dedicate their time to be with us during the summer.”Įach day focused on a different life skill with the campers, including educational activities, such as the wonders of engineering and aerodynamics and homemade rockets, visits from military units and first responders and trips to the beach and Nauticus. “Although it was a hot week with lots of moving, that heat didn’t stop the fun and hands-on learning,” said Jessica Mullins, Child and Youth Program coordinator. “We couldn’t have asked for a better week and we cannot do this without our amazing group of dedicated volunteers.” “Our Guard youth learned strengths they never knew they had, explored new ways to be resilient and practiced life skills to help guide them in their futures,” Merritt said. Thirty-six adult volunteers and 21 teen volunteers oversaw the 60 campers, who ranged in age from 8 – 12. “To see these groups come together as strangers and leave with lifelong friendships or reconnect with someone they met in the years past is so special.” “This was an amazing week for our children, teens, volunteers, and staff,” said Teresa Merritt, state Family Programs director. The camp featured educational activities, team building exercises, displays from National Guard units and local first responders, a flag retirement ceremony, an afternoon at the beach and trips to the Virginia Aquarium and Nauticus. Children of Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen enjoyed a variety of activities at the 18th annual Virginia National Guard Youth Camp July 23-28, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ![]()
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