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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The American Village, in collaboration with the Central Alabama Marines-Council, is launching a youth summer camp for young Americans interested in learning more about the country that they live in.

The local summer youth camp rogram is specially designed for military and veteran families, fostering leadership, civic education and patriotic values in the next generation.

“This summer, we’re combining the themes of patriotism, leadership and service to inspire the next generation of American citizens,” read a Facebook post from American Village. “Through hands-on activities, team-building exercises and immersive history experiences, campers will grow in confidence, character and civic responsibility.”

The camp will run from Monday, June 2 to Friday, July 25. The program is available at no cost to local military and veteran families, with proof of military service from any branch of service.

Col. Alan B. Miller, the American Village’s president and CEO, discussed how the collaboration with Central Alabama Marines-Council arose.

“Our collaboration came about in a very organic way,” Miller said. “I currently serve in the Marine Corps Reserve and am assigned as the Marine Corps Regional Coordinator for FEMA Region 7, which takes me to Kansas each month. In fulfilling my annual training requirements, I often coordinate with the Marine Reserve unit in Bessemer, Alabama, and that’s how I connected with 1st Sgt. Shawn Springer.”

Springer is the founder, chair and president of the Central Alabama Marines-Council, and Miller spoke on the reason he and Springer decided to combine their efforts for a summer camp.

“It grew from a real need facing military families stationed in Central Alabama,” Miller said. “These families are often far from the larger, permanent military installations that typically offer robust educational support services. Without that infrastructure, the children of active-duty Marines and veterans can face additional challenges, especially with frequent relocations across different states and varying academic standards.”

Miller says that the camp is designed to help bridge those gaps, further equipping students with engaging, meaningful experiences and setting them up for academic success, as well as providing a sense of continuity and confidence with the students they serve.

“What truly sets this camp apart is its purpose and heart,” Miller said. “At American Village, honoring veterans is central to our mission, and what better way to do that than by investing in the future of their children? This camp isn’t just about summer fun; it’s about supporting academic success. We’re proud to play a role in shaping not just scholars, but informed and engaged young citizens.”

The primary focus of the camp will be on classroom-based learning that supports academic readiness. Sessions will aim to help students build confidence and strengthen their foundation in key subjects, with Miller adding that this focus is especially prevalent for students transitioning between schools or states- a challenge many military-connected students face.

“Looking ahead, we would love to expand the experience by welcoming some of the students to the American Village campus, where they can take part in our full range of immersive history and civics programming,” Miller said. “From hands-on activities to live historical interpretations, the possibilities for deep, meaningful engagement are exciting.”

Miller concluded by emphasizing that making the program free of charge to military and veteran families is the American Village’s way of giving back to those who have served.

“The stress military families face, especially when relocating to a new duty station, can be overwhelming,” Miller said. “Their lives are marked by frequent transitions and sacrifices, and anything we can do to alleviate some of that burden is a welcome opportunity… Military families deserve every opportunity for success, and we’re proud to play a part in making their children’s academic journey a little smoother.”

For more information on the American Village’s new summer camp, visit its website at Americanvillage.org.