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'Little Warriors' Surf Camp to Host 100 Military Children
(May 13, 2009) | 
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Military children take time
to pose after riding the waves during a 2007
"Little Warriors" Surf Camp. Photo courtesy of Freedom Is Not Free
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WASHINGTON, May 8, 2009 -- Surfs up! Military children of
wounded or fallen servicemembers will be able to
catch their first wave this summer, thanks to
Freedom Is Not Free, a California-based
troop-support group.
The “Little Warriors” Surf Camp will host 100
military children ages 8 to 15 in La Jolla
Shores, Calif., Aug. 10-14.
“This is the third year that Freedom Is Not Free
has sponsored a surf camp for children of
wounded and fallen servicemembers,” retired
Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, executive
director of Freedom Is Not Free, said. “In the
past, this camp was an all-sports camp, combined
with enrichment sessions. I thought that a surf
camp made a lot more sense. The venue is always
available, and I happen to have caught the
surfing bug after moving here a number of years
ago.”
Kopelman said he hopes the surf camp will give
the military children an opportunity to learn a
new sport and connect with others who have
similar experiences.“
There's something very peaceful and
life-affirming about being on your board, even when the surf
isn't particularly great,” Kopelman said. “This camp gets
the kids away from home and the reminders of what has made
their lives a little less happy – if even for just a day.” |
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The surf camp lasts five days, and each group of 20 campers
attends for one day, which includes three and a half hours
of instruction. Freedom Is Not Free will provide water and
lunch for the campers, and Surf Diva Surfing School will
give campers rash guard, ball caps and T-shirts to
commemorate their experiences.
“Wahoo's Fish Tacos, a local restaurant, will provide
burritos every day for the kids,” Kopelman said. “At the end
of each day, as an added treat, all campers will get
boards.”
Sector 9 Skateboards and INT Softboards will give Freedom Is
Not Free boards to raffle, and Bessell Surfboards is
designing a custom Freedom Is Not Free surfboard.
“I heard about this through a friend,” said Tim Bessell,
owner of Bessell Surfboards. “I didn't hesitate. Our
servicemembers are on the front line for us every day. Their
kids are paying a price when they are away or when they
don't come home. Their kids are their legacies. This surf
camp will be an awesome experience for them.”
Kopelman said parents interested in sending their children
to surf camp should call or send an e-mail to get more
information on applying. The camp is only for children of
wounded or fallen servicemembers.
“I've contacted the San Diego Armed Services YMCA to solicit
potential campers and the family readiness officer for [the
1st Marine Expeditionary Force] at Camp Pendleton,” Kopelman
said. “Because the population of military children from
which to choose is so large right here in San Diego County,
I hadn't thought about paying for an out-of-state camper.
“It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities,” he
continued. “In fact, that might be something to actually
promote as we go forward.” | |
By Sharon
Foster
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
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