Operation Camp

Building Connections that Strengthen Futures

This fun and educational program – which includes summer day and residential camps – encourages healthy living and recreation, fosters social connections, and helps children strengthen their confidence.

Program Overview

Operation Camp provides opportunities for military children to make meaningful connections. For military children, who may face moving to a new city, state, and school every two to three years, these friendships, support networks, and memories last a lifetime.

Operation Camp focuses on:

  • Building confidence and enhancing self-image
  • Improving social skills that reflect age-appropriate behavior
  • Teaching conflict resolution and the healthy management and expression of anger
  • Increasing bonds with family and friends
  • Equipping military children and families with tools and resources to cope with the challenges of military life

Each summer the Armed Services YMCA works to provide day camp activities to military children at Camp Pendleton by offering week-long day camps from local community YMCA’s and other community organizations.

Camp opportunities include:

  • Operation Appreciation
  • Overnight Camps
  • Camp Hero
  • Paintball Camp
  • Fishing Trips
  • Camp Flasshhh

Each Summer, the Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton supports the Marine Corps’ Exceptional Family Members Program and special needs children at Camp Pendleton with Camp Flashhh (Families Laughing and Sharing Hugs, Hope, and Happiness).

Camp Flashhh provides field trip opportunities for EFMP families and special needs military children from June through August. Please contact your EFMP case worker for further information.

Registration for Summer Camps will open mid-April of 2024.