Camp offers military children a fun-filled week

Last week, 130 kids from areas of the U.S. ranging from Texas to Delaware, were able to spend a week at the Delaware National Guard Training Site in Bethany Beach for the 11th annual Children of the Delaware National Guard Camp — Camp Colwell.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark
A boy sits in the cockpit of a Black Hawk helicopter, above, which made a visit to the National Guard Training Site in Bethany Beach. The visit was part of the 11th annual Children of the Delaware National Guard Camp — Camp Colwell.

“I was in the National Guard, and I always wanted to do something for our children,” explained Ernie Colwell, the camp’s founder and director.

The camp is for kids ages 9 to 17 who have relatives who are currently serving or have served as soldiers or airmen in the Delaware National Guard.

“It’s all military children,” said Colwell. “We wanted to have a fun learning experience. We wanted them to have a week away, just like all the other kids do.”

According to Colwell, Delaware is the only state that has a two-tiered camp program that allows for youths ages 13-17 to continue to attend camp as junior councilors.

“Once they come in, they don’t have any television, no radio, no handheld games. It’s all structured. It’s not a boot camp; it’s a fun thing. Some activities are done on-base and some off-base.”

Each day is pack with planned activities for the kids to do on and off the training site. All the kids get to visit a water park and James Farm, as well as doing archery and crafts and navigating a ropes course. Tio the Magician, from Dickens Parlour Theatre, made an appearance and volunteered his time to give a magic show for a group of campers.

In all, 60 people volunteered during the week, some of whom were once campers themselves.

“When I was a camper, it was fun. I got to meet a lot of new kids who I didn’t realize had parents in the military,” said Staff Sgt. David Rich, who was one of the first campers and now serves as a counselor. “It definitely helped me grow as an adult.”

Rich serves in the Air Force and currently does presidential security, as well as dignitary escorts. He noted that he only missed two of the 11 years of camp, due to military obligations.

“There’s no other reason to be back here but for these kids. A lot of them are living at home with their mom or dad who is deployed every so often. This is a great place for them to meet different kids who are dealing with the same exact thing.”

“It’s a great experience for the kids to see what their parents go through,” added fellow counselor Andriea Fenstermacher, who was also once a camper herself.

The camp also holds its own Military Day, during which the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed on-site for the kids, before Adj. Gen. Frank Vavala flew in from New Castle on a Black Hawk helicopter to join the kids for a few hours.

“This is something I look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity to do something positive for our youth. It’s a great opportunity for all of us. This is a dream come true,” said Vavala.

The children were able to tour the Black Hawk, ask the pilots questions and even try on aviation life-support equipment vests and other gear.

“I think the camp is a great opportunity for the kids,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Fosty, one of the craft’s pilots.

The children were also able to participate in Camp Desert Kids, a program run by Military Families United, a nonprofit organization.

“The whole idea is to get them an idea of what deployment is like for their parents,” explained Community Affairs Manager Brynn Vollmer. “It’s so rewarding. It’s a cause that’s very near and dear to our hearts.”
Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark
A National Guardist speaks with onlookers next to the helicopter.

The Camp Desert Kids program is designed specifically for children and has various educational stations that they make their way through.

The children had their pictures taken for a “passport” and were then briefed on the culture and customs in Afghanistan, as well as the geography.

“It’s something the children want. It’s not just a place on a map. They want to see it,” said Vollmer.

The kids are taken into “Afghanistan,” where they were able to try local food (tea, naan bread and rice), vote on their favorite food and try on the local garb.

They were also able to meet Wahid Monawar, a former ambassador from Afghan.

“It’s really great,” Monawar said of the interaction with the kids. “They’re asking important questions.”

“He was really nice,” said 11-year-old camper Clayton Gage. “We asked him questions like, ‘What was Afghanistan like when you were there?’ He said it was a very nice country, he really liked it. But when the Taliban came and took over, it wasn’t very free anymore. They couldn’t really play soccer anymore.”

Monawar added that he was happy to be helping with the program and telling youth that he is thankful for the work that American soldiers are doing overseas.

“It’s the least I can do for what they’re doing for us over there. It was an honor to convey the message.”

The kids were also able to have a conversation via Skype with Col. Ruth Irwin, who is currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. She spoke of what her specific job is and of the differences between Afghanistan and the U.S. The children were then able to ask her questions, including whether or not she likes naan.

The campers also put on a talent show and held a dance, and, on the last day, family and friends watched them march in a parade prior to closing ceremonies.
Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark
Kids dress up in Middle Eastern clothing during the camp.

The kids themselves couldn’t seem to say enough about how much they enjoyed camp.

“It’s pretty fun. It’s good to know other people that are in military families,” said 12-year-old Alex Myers, who added that he hopes to one day join the military, like his dad.

“I want to be a leader of men. I want to be just like my dad,” added Gage, whose father is retired from the Marine Corps. “They protect us and protect people who need help and who want help. I know some of the Iraqis and people in Afghanistan don’t want our help. They don’t like us. But the government wants our help because they want to be free of the Taliban.”

“They help us live,” said 9-year-old Molly Tyre of family members serving. “They care about us but then you do really miss them.”

Colwell himself said it’s great to help impact the youth and to see it positively impact them year after year.

“The kids love it. They keep coming back. It’s like you don’t want to get rid of them. You hate to see them go home. It’s the way they grow and mature in that one year... you can see it when they come back,” he said. “It’s phenomenal to come to and see kids – most of them who’ve never come here before, don’t know anyone, except the ones returning – bonding together.”

For more information on Camp Colwell, contact Ernie Colwell at Campcolwell@yahoo.com. For more information of Camp Desert Kids, visit militaryfamiliesunited.org.