JAMES CITY COUNTY — Second lady Usha Vance visited the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center last week to launch her summer reading challenge at Operation Purple Camp, a National Military Family Association kids camp.
Operation Purple Camp, a free camp offered since 2004, provides military kids a weeklong summer camp experience that blends traditional fun with skill-building activities and peer support. The camp’s Jamestown 4-H location is the longest-running camp in their national network.
The program also includes access to mental health professionals and resources that support campers long after the week is over.
During the visit, Vance read a chapter of “My Father’s Dragon” to young campers and also took questions about her life as the vice president’s wife. After visiting with the younger campers, she also took time to speak with older campers during an arts and crafts activity focused on creating book covers.
“We were absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to welcome the second lady to our camp and Jamestown 4-H! Her visit to our Operation Purple Camp was an unforgettable experience for our campers and team. She took the time to read with the children, listen to their questions, and truly connect with them — it meant the world to all of us. Her presence brought so much joy and pride to our camp community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our beautiful camp with her,” said Jamestown 4-H Educational Center Executive Director Sue Williams.
The appearance was the second lady’s first official public appearance to launch the summer reading challenge.
To participate in the summer reading challenge, kids in grades K-8 are encouraged to read 12 different books from June 1 through Sept. 5. Parents can keep track of their children’s reading through a downloadable log. Once completed, parents can send the log via email to the second lady’s office.
After successful completion of the program, the second lady’s office will send out personalized certificates and small prizes.
For more information, visit whitehouse.gov/read.