BLUE GRASS, Iowa — It's a camp that allows kids to meet up with others, who know what it's like to love someone who protects America. Military Kids Camp at Camp Abe Lincoln hosted 75 kids with a family member in the United States Armed Forces.
"We want all of our military kids campers to know what an important part of our community they are, how much we appreciate their service to our country, and most importantly, to develop those friendships," said Diane Baker, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development of the University of Illinois Extension.
"You find kids that know what you're going through," said Royce Walbur, 13 from Indianola, Iowa. Walbur's dad is a Black Hawk pilot in the Army National Guard, stationed in Boone, Iowa.
He says it's neat to be at a camp where he can make friends with other kids who have a parent in the military.
"Usually, the kids at regular summer camp, they don't know what you're going through, they don't know anything about it," said Walbur.
Military Kids Camp is free for the campers, it happens at the YMCA's Camp Abe Lincoln every year. Funding almost didn't come through this year. Donations from the Bechtel Trusts and Foundation and Modern Woodmen of America made the camp possible.
"It's awesome when you get the kids out here and you get up on the trucks and everything," said Staff Sergeant Ruben Reyes, Illinois National Guard 2123 Forward Support Company.
Staff Sergeant Reyes was one of several soldiers at camp on Wednesday. Each day the Military Kids Camp has a special activity geared toward being a child of someone in the armed forces. Staff Sergeant Reyes showed the kids around a humvee and a fuel servicing truck.
He says he can tell the kids at this camp have more of an understanding of what his team is trying to explain.
"Some kids, I'll say, 'Kevlar', and they don't know what I'm talking about; and now, kids, I'll say, 'Kevlar', and they know exactly what I'm talking about," said Staff Sergeant Reyes.
The Kevlar is the helmet that is worn by the Illinois National Guard.
"It's a great way for our community to support our military families and to give military kids an opportunity to come together," said Baker.
Of his dad being in the military, Royce Walbur is proud.
"I think it's pretty cool," said Walbur of his dad's job. "He likes it, so he's going to stay in a few more years."