More than 100 children of Wisconsin military members gathered earlier this month at Camp Lakota for the Badger Youth Camp, an annual event hosted by the Wisconsin National Guard’s Child and Youth Services office. The four-day camp, held June 19–22, focused on leadership, teamwork, and resilience, specifically tailored for children from military families.
Campers took part in a mix of traditional and military-themed activities—including swimming, archery, canoeing, and wilderness survival training—to help them better understand their parents’ service and connect with others facing similar life experiences.
Child and Youth Lead Coordinator J.D. Engelhardt described it as their “premier military simulations and quotations camp.” Meanwhile, Master Sgt. Joel Nyenhuis, a parent and instructor at the camp, emphasized the sense of community the event fosters among military children.
Airman 1st Class Melanie Laflin, once a camper herself and now a volunteer, echoed the importance of these connections. She highlighted how youth camps like Badger have been a consistent source of support and camaraderie throughout her life.
Organizers stress that beyond skill-building, the most impactful part of the experience is showing military kids they are not alone.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin National Guard Child and Youth Program on Facebook.
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