Honoring Military Families
Special Summer Camp Opportunities at YMCA Camp Cullen
This summer, YMCA Camp Cullen is proud to host two remarkable programs dedicated to serving children of military families. Operation Purple Camp and Camp Corral recognize that military kids serve too – and they deserve unforgettable summer experiences filled with adventure, friendship, and joy.
A Summer Camp Experience Like No Other
Located just north of Houston on the shores of beautiful Lake Livingston, YMCA Camp Cullen offers the most amazing summer camp experience where children can experience nature close-up, explore new talents, and embark on unforgettable adventures. From horseback riding and climbing towers to arts and crafts, water sports, and zip lines, there’s something for everyone. A week at camp is guaranteed to be filled with fun, adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Supporting Those Who Serve: Two Special Programs
Both Operation Purple Camp and Camp Corral are nationwide programs that provide free summer camp experiences to children whose families have sacrificed for our country. While each program serves the military community, they support different groups of families in unique ways.
Operation Purple Camp: Honoring All Who Serve
Through the National Military Family Association, Operation Purple Camp recognizes that military kids serve alongside their parents. When a parent deploys, moves frequently, or faces the unique challenges of military life, children experience those sacrifices too. Operation Purple Camp provides these young heroes with a week of pure childhood joy and connection with peers who understand their experiences.
Who Qualifies: Operation Purple Camp serves children of both active duty and veteran service members from all branches:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- Space Force
- National Guard
- Reserve
- Commissioned Corps of U.S. Public Health Service
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Program Details:
- Completely free for military families
- Serves children ages 7-16
- Currently accepting waitlist applications for summer 2026
The program’s broad eligibility recognizes that service to our country takes many forms, and all military families deserve support and recognition for their sacrifices.
Camp Corral: Supporting Gold Star and Wounded Warrior Families
Originally founded by Golden Corral and now sustained through philanthropic partnerships nationwide, Camp Corral provides specialized support for children whose families have experienced particularly profound sacrifices. This program specifically serves children of veterans who are wounded, ill, or have fallen in service to our nation.
Who Qualifies: Camp Corral serves children of veterans who are:
- Wounded in service
- Ill due to service-related conditions
- Fallen (Gold Star families)
Special Note: If a child’s grandparent is the wounded, ill, or fallen veteran AND serves as the child’s legal guardian, the child qualifies for Camp Corral.
Program Details:
- Free for qualifying military families
- $30 refundable “hold my spot” deposit (helps ensure attendance and is returned)
- Serves children ages 8-15
- Applications still open with spots available for summer 2026!
Camp Corral recognizes the unique challenges faced by children whose parents carry the visible and invisible wounds of service, or who have lost a parent to military service. These children need supportive environments where they can simply be kids while connecting with others who understand their experiences.
Understanding the Differences
While both programs honor military families and provide free camp experiences, they serve slightly different communities:
Service Status:
- Operation Purple Camp: Both active duty and veterans across all service branches
- Camp Corral: Specifically, veterans who are wounded, ill, or fallen
Age Ranges:
- Operation Purple Camp: Ages 7-16
- Camp Corral: Ages 8-15
Application Process:
- Operation Purple Camp: Free application, currently accepting waitlist
- Camp Corral: Free program with $30 refundable deposit, open applications with available spots
Both programs recognize that military children face unique challenges and deserve opportunities to experience the magic of summer camp surrounded by peers who share similar experiences.
Why Summer Camp Matters for Military Children
Military children face circumstances most of their peers never experience. Frequent moves disrupt friendships and school continuity. Deployments mean months or even years with a parent in harm’s way. The unique stresses of military life—from security concerns to the emotional toll of service—affect entire families.
Summer camp provides military children with:
Stability and Routine: A structured, positive environment where they can relax and simply be kids for a week.
Peer Connection: The chance to meet other military children who understand their experiences without explanation. These connections often become lasting friendships built on shared understanding.
Safe Expression: An environment where it’s okay to talk about deployment worries, moving anxieties, or missing a parent without feeling different from everyone else.
Childhood Joy: Pure, unstructured fun doing things kids should do like swimming, exploring nature, trying new activities, and making memories that have nothing to do with military life.
Confidence Building: Opportunities to try new things, overcome challenges, and discover capabilities in supportive environments with caring counselors.
Respite: A break from the responsibilities many military children shoulder such as helping with younger siblings during deployments, supporting stressed parents, or navigating yet another new school.
The Camp Cullen Experience
Whether attending through Operation Purple Camp or Camp Corral, children experience everything YMCA Camp Cullen has to offer:
Outdoor Adventures: Horseback riding, hiking trails, nature exploration, and discovering the beauty of Lake Livingston’s natural setting.
Water Activities: Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water sports that create confidence and joy.
Challenge Courses: Climbing towers, zip lines, and ropes courses that build courage and accomplishment.
Creative Expression: Arts and crafts, music, drama, and creative activities that let children explore talents and interests.
Team Building: Group games, collaborative challenges, and cabin bonding that create friendships and teach teamwork.
Campfire Traditions: Evening gatherings, songs, stories, and s’mores that create the magical camp memories children treasure forever.
Caring Counselors: Trained staff who understand the unique needs of military children and create safe, supportive environments where every child belongs.
Registration Information
Operation Purple Camp
Currently accepting waitlist applications for summer 2026. While primary registration may be full, waitlist positions often convert to confirmed spots as schedules change.
To Apply: Visit the National Military Family Association website or contact YMCA Camp Cullen directly for assistance with the application process.
Camp Corral
Applications are open with available spots for summer 2026! Don’t wait…secure your child’s spot in this incredible program.
To Apply: The application process includes verification of veteran status and service-related condition. The $30 deposit holds your child’s spot and is fully refundable.
Need Help? Contact YMCA Camp Cullen directly. Our staff can guide you through the application process and answer questions about eligibility or program details.
A Community Commitment to Military Families
YMCA Camp Cullen is honored to partner with Operation Purple Camp and Camp Corral in serving military families. These programs align perfectly with the YMCA’s mission of youth development and our commitment to serving all families, especially those who have given so much for our country.
The sacrifices of military families protect our freedoms and way of life. Providing their children with exceptional summer camp experiences is a small but meaningful way to say thank you and recognize that military kids serve too.
Summer 2026 Awaits
If your family qualifies for Operation Purple Camp or Camp Corral, we encourage you to apply. Give your child a week of adventure, friendship, and pure childhood joy in the beautiful setting of YMCA Camp Cullen.
Summer camp creates memories that last a lifetime. For military children who face unique challenges and frequent changes, these memories become anchors: reminders of joy, accomplishment, friendship, and the simple pleasure of being a kid.
Operation Purple Camp: Join the waitlist today through the National Military Family Association.
Camp Corral: Apply now while spots are still available!
Both programs are completely free for qualifying families, removing financial barriers, and ensuring every eligible child can experience the magic of summer camp.
For more information about YMCA Camp Cullen, Operation Purple Camp, or Camp Corral, visit ymcacampcullen.org or contact our camp office directly. Our team is ready to help military families navigate the application process and answer any questions.
To all military families: Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We’re honored to serve your children this summer at YMCA Camp Cullen.
Because every child deserves an unforgettable summer, especially those whose families serve our nation.