Extension: Military Teen Adventure Camps Equip Young People for Success

Among these experiences are Military Teen Adventure Camps (MTAC), which gather military youths and families from coast to coast to participate in exhilarating multiday adventures. 

As USDA’s youth development outreach program, 4-H engages youth in intentional, experiential and inquiry-based learning. Representing 40 years of collaboration with Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Military Community and Family Policy, the Military-Civilian Transition Office and the Army, Navy and Air Force, NIFA Youth and 4-H Military Grant Programs support military-connected children and youths, fostering access to reliable and research-informed programs and services.  

With support from NIFA and DOD, Purdue University has expanded access and opportunity for military teens ages 13-18 to participate in adventure camps at locations around the U.S. At the camps, military youths across all service branches and their families are invited to participate in high adventure experiences such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, boating, camping, survival camps, running rope courses and other activities, building skills, resilience and confidence.  

Coordinated by Purdue Extension, institutions across seven states provided 18 MTAC opportunities in 2024 and 17 in 2025 in collaboration with multiple state 4-H programs and local partners. Experiences included rafting in the heart of the Grant Canyon, foraging berries in the wild forests of Washington, hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, and mountain biking in the hills of Texas. The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals awarded University of Arizona, one of the partner institutions, with the 4-H Military Partnership Excellence in Programming Award for their MTAC program, which includes rafting and sailing adventures. 

Each summer, University of Kentucky MTAC brings new and returning families together from all military branches. The camps offer opportunities for families to spend quality time together and meet other military youths and parents through fun, challenging and engaging outdoor activities, games and team experiences.  

One of the camps, the Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Outdoor Adventure, hosted a record number of youths and families in Tennessee’s Blue Ridge Mountains this summer. Over four days, families rafted along the Ocoee River, including the Class 5 stretch that was part of the 1996 Summer Olympics. 

Kim Schrader, Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Extension specialist, explained how the teens at the camp shared a connection despite not having previously met. “They are not afraid to step out because they know they all belong to our military service,” she said. 

Robb Sucher, an active duty Marine, attended the camp for the first time with his family this year. Of the experience, he said, “It’s not too often that you get a weekend away with your kids, get them off their phones in the outdoors… Having the opportunity to take the time to talk with other service members about their kids, what challenges they face and our shared experiences. It’s a great opportunity to just take the work culture out and enjoy each other’s company.” 

Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for University of Kentucky Extension, spoke about MTAC on an episode of the Participating Connection Podcast. During the interview, Ashurst explained how the camps introduce youths to new experiences that may be outside of their comfort zone. She shares, “I always bring up the zipline…We’ve had some kids who have gotten up there to do a zipline, and it’s what they want to do more than anything else at the whole camp, but then they get there, and they see it and they feel overwhelmed. It’s very scary, but then once they finally release and let go and they do it, they say it’s the greatest thing they’ve ever done. So, a lot of that challenge by choice with experiential education can be incredible.”  

Tyrone Atkinson, Military Program Coordinator for University of Kentucky Extension, shared in the podcast how MTAC achieves several essential elements of 4-H, increasing youth awareness, teamwork, connection, leadership and responsible citizenship through positive interactions and novel experiences. Following the 2024 adventure camps, Atkinson said, “MTAC gives our military teens and families special experiences and memories that last a lifetime… Not all families get to enjoy a weekend outdoors while others are serving them. We take care of all the logistics so they can just enjoy the moments with each other and other military families. We want these families to connect and stay connected.” 

Military Teen Adventure Camps provide military teens with high adventure camp opportunities that they would not normally find through installation youth programs. Experiences develop critical life skills and resiliency, preparing teens to meet the unique challenges that result from military life. 

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is home to the National 4-H Headquarters, providing leadership and administration at the National level and collaborating with Extension and 4-H partners to support 4-H across the country.