Bitburg, Germany — To help the estimated 155,000 children coping with having one or two deployed parents, Installation Management Command-Europe in Germany recently offered a sports and fitness event as a part of Camp A.R.M.Y Challenge, a summer program for children in grades six through 12.
The sports and fitness camp was held at Sportschule Bitburg, a former U.S. air base in Germany. More than 75 children from military installations from Belgium to Italy participated in the camp and received a week of individualized instruction from coaches and trainers, along with trying outdoor adventures, such as canoeing and wall climbing.
The program is aimed at improving the mind, body and soul, says Joe Marton, director of the program. The A.R.M.Y in Camp A.R.M.Y Challenge stands for adventure, resilience, memories and youth. Although the camps are intended for Army families, children of deployed troops from other services are eligible to take part as well.