Delaware National Guard - DNG News 2002

Delaware National Guard
Youth Camp 2002
By Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

One man’s dream and the cooperation of over 40 volunteers came together to stage the Guard’s 2nd Annual Youth Camp at Bethany Beach in August.

The week long program was the dream of Master Sgt. (Ret.) Ernie Colwell, the camp’s director who said the time for a camp for the kids of Delaware guardsman was long overdue.

Camper Victoria Rodriguez, age 10, carries the Green Dragon's guide-on with pride on the way to the mess hall. Photo by Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th MPAD.

"After years of us assisting others in outside programs, this was a chance to do something for our own kids," said Conwell, who served 32 years in the military and then transitioned into the state’s Family Program. "It’s a great way to get them excited about the military and also let them see what their parents do."

The kids, whose core group ran the ages of 9 – 12, (older kids may serve in a leadership role) stayed all week in the barracks at the Bethany Beach training site. While at the training site, they formed up a company consisting of platoons named the Green Dragons, Red Flaming Skulls, Blue Waves and Yellow Flares.

Maj. Gen. Vavala inspects the banner presented to him by members of the Youth Camp. Photo by Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th MPAD.

The students had a full week, waking up each morning at 6 a.m., marching to the mess hall and then participating in such events as archery, swimming, setting up a bivouac area and cadence calling, as well as visiting the State Police museum in Dover. Additionally, they designed their own guide ons and got some hands on experience with military equipment.

"I had a blast," said Andrew Alton, 13, whose aunt Chief Master Sgt. Dawn Peet was the head counselor. "I especially liked the archery and marksmanship."

Sgt. Brian Clarke, Co C 2nd/26th AVN shows off the UH1 Huey to David Rich, son of Lt. Col. David Rich of the 142nd Aeronautical Evacuation Squadron. Photo by Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th MPAD.

The camp was "inspected" by Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala, adjutant general, Delaware National Guard, on Friday, August 23rd, who came away impressed with what he saw.

"This is what the Family Program is all about," said Vavala. "The kids have great spirit; the counselors great dedication….in a word, it’s just awesome."

Staff Sgt. Jim Wilson, 166th Civil Engineer Squadron, instrusts the members of the Red Flaming Skulls on the do's and don'ts of fire safety. Photo by Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th MPAD.

The Youth Camp is scheduled again for the summer of 2003. Those interested in sending their kids to the camp or volunteering can look for applications to be sent to the units in the spring or contact Colwell or lst Lt. Monique Georges, who heads up the Delaware National Guard Family Program. The cost for this year’s camp was $40 and covered all meals for the week.

Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala poses with members of the of the 259th Signal Company and 280th Signal Battalion who volunteered to assist with the Youth Camp. Photo by Sgt. Joe Nye, Det. 1 444th MPAD.

Maj. Gen Francis D. Vavala poses with the leadership of the Youth Camp, 1st Lt. Monique Georges, Camp Director Ernie Colwell and Chief Master Sgt. Dawn Peet.