March 20, 2023 at 1:42 p.m.
Military youth build friendships at winter camp in Rhinelander
Engelhardt: 'This connection builds a network of support'
Military youth build friendships at winter camp in Rhinelander
By Vaughn R. Larson-
Open to youth ages 8 to 17 and offered free of charge, the three-day event is the most popular school-year camp the Service Member Support Division (SMSD) offers.
"The youth had a great time trying new things and having fun," said JonDaniel Engelhardt with SMSD's Child and Youth Program. "It was the warmest Winter Warrior Weekend with temperatures in the 20s, when it's usually zero or below."
Activities included snow tubing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, broom ball, and making snow art. Youth made snow structures as part of winter survival training.
Camp participants also learned resilience skills and took part in mental health conversations.
"The goal of Winter Warrior Weekend is to build community and resiliency with military youth," Engelhardt said. "We help create a space where youth know they are not the only ones to deal with a parent in uniform."
The friends made at camp, he said, go past that weekend.
"Many youth stay connected via social media or cellphones," Engelhardt said. "This connection builds a network of support, so if one military youth is struggling with a parent at drill or deployed, they know they have a friend who has dealt with something similar, unlike most of their peers at school."
The Wisconsin National Guard Service Member Support Division provides military members, families, retirees, organizations and communities with information and communication to ensure readiness and resilience to accomplish the mission and transition back to family and civilian roles.
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