Senior leaders encourage military youth at Kentucky National Guard Youth Camp
LEITCHFIELD, Ky. — Laughter, teamwork and leadership filled Camp Loucon as senior leaders from the Kentucky National Guard visited campers during the annual youth camp, July 16.
The weeklong camp hosted by the Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Program gives Guard-connected youth ages 10 to 17 the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills and form friendships through outdoor challenges and group activities.
During their visit, the leaders toured the camp with the camp commandant, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andrew Hall, and lead Child and Youth Program coordinator Jessica Maggi. They met with campers participating in activities ranging from team-building exercises to outdoor recreation and spoke with them about leadership, recognizing their resilience and thanking them for the sacrifices military Families make.
“Your parents are heroes, and so are you,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler, deputy adjutant general, as he addressed the campers. “The strength and resilience you show while supporting your Families is something to be proud of.”
Wertzler and Karen Lamberton, wife of Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, presented challenge coins to several campers in recognition of their leadership, determination and positive attitudes throughout the week. Many of the recipients have attended the camp for several years, demonstrating increased confidence and maturity as they return each summer.
Maggi said the camp helps military-connected youth build resilience while forming friendships with peers who understand the unique challenges of military life.
“The National Guard is a unique fighting force that faces different challenges compared with active-duty,” said Maggi. “Guard kids might be the only military-connected youth in their social circle or local community, and this can become very isolating if they are struggling with things unique to military life. Youth camp creates bonds and friendships between the youth, and these friendships are what our youth can lean on when they are facing a challenge and are reminded that they are not alone.”
These connections and shared experiences become lasting friendships in a larger National Guard Family.
“I enjoyed seeing my friends there again this year,” said Riley DeWolf, 10. “My favorite part of camp was getting to go canoeing and swimming.”
The annual youth camp continues to be an investment in Kentucky National Guard Families by giving military children an environment where they can challenge themselves and grow as leaders.
“I would encourage every Family to send their child to youth camp,” said Maggi. “Every year, campers find their place and build friendships that last beyond the week. You have no idea how your child will grow and become stronger without trying it. There is something special about youth camp and how it impacts youth that I am lucky enough to witness every year.”
For more information about the Kentucky National Guard and its Child and Youth Program, visit https://ky.ng.mil.
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