Military families find friends, understanding at 4-H Memorial Camp

from 2019 Illinois 4-H CloverSeed Annual Report

The real face of hunger

**Camp Corral: Youth from military families gain support from teen mentors who understand the unique challenges facing military families.**
Photo by Judy Mae Bingman

Military families find friends, understanding at 4-H Memorial Camp

You could hear it before you saw it. When the Blackhawk helicopter landed in the clearing at 4-H Memorial Camp, a roar went up from the 178 campers at Camp Corral. Sponsored by Golden Corral, the camp is open, at no cost, to youth of military families that have experienced loss or injury of a service member.

The three-person US Army helicopter crew, stationed in Decatur, inserts troops into Iraq and escorts VIPs. The 19-year-old pilot answered each question posed by the campers: the helicopter can fly up to 200 mph; the helicopter often flies at night with no lights allowing them to go undetected; and, the helicopter is valued at $10 million.

The campers buckled in to the seats and talked about adventures. Eric wants to work for NASA and likes to draw. Branden likes science and wants to be an archeologist. Zaina asks what each button of the helicopter does.

Camp Corral allows youth from military families to enjoy time with other children who have common experiences. Jamie doesn’t often see her dad who serves in Iraq. Chandler’s attending his fifth Camp Corral. His dad was injured in an explosion.

“My daughter lost her dad in 2011. This camp means so much to her and gives her a chance to connect with kids going through the same or similar situation,” shared Autumn Sharie. “Thank you, 4-H, for hosting such an amazing experience.”

Many of the counselors are 4-H alums who spend their summer working the five weeks of summer camp. Lucas wants campers to know they don’t have to face their struggles alone.

“This week is about helping people who have a different life experience than other kids.”

For Alice, the Camp Corral crew is special and allows her to be part of something bigger than herself. “It doesn’t take a lot of effort to be kind,” Alice says. “A smile brings joy to these kids.”