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Introduction
Approximately 280 youth, ages 10-15, come together at Camp Ripley, Minnesota in August to attend the Annual Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp. The youth, dependents, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and grandchildren of Minnesota Guard members, spend seven days experiencing Camp Ripley and its surrounding environment during the one week camp session.
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Purpose
The purpose of the Minnesota National Guard Youth Camp is to:
- Provide a unique and enjoyable opportunity for dependents of the Minnesota National Guard to explore the environment in which they live and be more responsible in maintaining the environment for future generations.
- Provide a positive experience in a safe and caring environment.
- Assist youth in gaining an understanding of why their Guard member servers in the National Guard.
- Help youth cope with the stress and confusion of separation/deployment.
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Events
Youth Camp is dedicated to providing each camper with a safe environment which nurtures interpersonal relationships, team building and respect for self and others. During the week-long experience, campers will participate in canoeing, orienteering, marksmanship, rollerblading, biking, hiking, camping and anti-substance abuse activities. One of the highlights of the Camp includes orientation rides on Army National Guard tracked and wheeled vehicles and Air National Guard C-130 display and F16 flyover. "Military Day" is hosted to foster an understanding of why the children's parents serve in the National Guard, some of the things they do when they are at drill, and to help the campers deal with the stress of separation from parents. |
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