DINGMANS FERRY – At the end of October, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (“PEEC”), a residential environmental education center in partnership with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area proudly hosted more than 70 military kids and their families during an Operation Purple^® Family Retreat, a program of the National Military Family Association and funded by the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation.

Military children and families – like service members themselves – “serve too” by making daily personal sacrifices. Deployment of a parent can be exceptionally stressful, but the time after that father, mother, husband or wife returns home is often the most challenging of all. In 2004, the Operation Purple program was created as a way to help military children struggling with the stresses of war. In 2009, the National Military Family Association piloted the Family Retreats program which allows families the opportunity to strengthen and renew relationships, explore their natural surroundings and participate in fun family-focused activities.

“This was an outstanding program…” said Jeff Rosalsky, CEO, Pocono Environmental Education Center “…which drew military families together and brought them all closer to nature.  As an environmental education center within the spectacular Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PEEC was a perfect location to host this retreat and we were proud to do so.  Our National Parks are a treasure and a source of pride for this country, as are the military and their families who serve.”

This free four-day retreat paired participants with PEEC’s staff of environmental educators who guided families on nature hikes, teambuilding exercises and field study exercise to promote strength, resilience and family growth.  In programs led by PEEC staff, families experienced; learning about local fauna and flora, live animal presentations, folk singers, canoeing, campfires, arts and workshops all designed to foster a sense of community.  Counselors from the National Military Family Association helped families to communicate, set goals, work as a team, and reconnect while exploring and learning about the environment.

The repeated long deployment of service members and frequent family relocations significantly impacts military families. During deployment, military spouses become the sole caretakers for their families, balancing their professional lives with family obligations. Children can experience behavioral problems, have trouble sleeping and become depressed while their parents are away. The Pocono Environmental Education Center views the Operation Purple Family Retreat as crucial to assisting military families engage in a lasting, healing, and transformative experience with each other.

There is no better setting to inspire such growth, connection, and celebration of family – among individuals, families, and the natural world – than through family-based education amid the spectacular scenery of one of our National Parks.