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July 29, 2008

In this entry: quotes, warm up questions, discussion questions, resources

VIDEO SUMMARY:
This video shows how Operation Purple summer camps are working to give the children of deployed troops ways to overcome their fears and manage their stress.

0718_camp.jpgThe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have meant multiple and long deployments for many troops and more time away from family. This means long periods of worry and strain for spouses and children.

Kids can also feel extra responsibility to help out in the household and emotionally support the parent who is still at home.

The camps use confidence building activities, time in the outdoors and education about the protection U.S. military members have to help ease some of the stress.

QUOTES:
"This is the first time in our nation's history where we have these multiple and extended deployments where the same families are being sent back over and over again." Patty Barron, National Military Families Association

"I don't think [my son] will ever get over us going again, or wondering, when are they going to go again? Am I going to have to change schools? Am I going to have to -- where am I going to live next time?" - Sergeant Patricia Coldfelder, Colorado Army National Guard

"At home, I don't really have a lot of military friends. I make friends out here that actually know what I'm going through." - Brittany Malmay, daughter of a U.S. soldier

WARM-UP QUESTIONS:
Do you know anyone who has been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan? What do you think it would be like to have a parent serving in the military?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How did it make you feel watching the children in the video talk about their parents? If you were in that situation, what do you think would be the most challenging part to deal with?
Do you think learning to deal with stress or challenges in a camp environment can be transferred over to real life? Is there an example in your own life where you learned something you later used to cope with a hard situation?
Is it fair that soldiers have had to serve multiple deployments? Why or why not? What could be done to reduce the strain on families of military members?

RESOURCES:
Transcript of this report
Related NewsHour report:
Military Families Struggle as Loved Ones are Deployed

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