Operation Bootcamp

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Operation Boot Camp - A Weekend Event for Military Families - October 15-18, 2020

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Operation Boot Camp provides an extended weekend getaway for active duty, reserve or veteran personnel and their families to:

* Connect through shared experiences
* Encourage spiritual growth & emotional strength
* Celebrate their military heritage

With a great mix of speakers, breakout sessions, activities for the whole family, good food and down time, military families will connect on a deeper level. Everyone from the service member to the spouse to the kids will gain understanding, grace, pride, and validation for their special part in their family.

Operation Boot Camp is organized by a team of military families who see a need to reach out to other military families and personnel to connect, encourage, and celebrate the unique experiences of military life - past and present.

Weekend Highlights

* Speaker Scott Waddle will be speaking at five main sessions.

* Special life stories shared from veterans spanning generations.

* Breakout sessions for the men, women and the children separately will help foster relationships and enable guests to connect on a deeper level.

* Family recreational options will include boating, hiking, archery, and organized family challenges.

* Relaxing evenings will enable you to spend quality family time and connect with other families over a campfire or drink from our Coffee Shop.

Speaker: Scott Waddle, Commander, U.S. Navy Commander Retired

At the age of 38, Scott Waddle was selected to become the Commanding Officer of the USS Greeneville, a Fast Attack submarine in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The challenges Scott faced when he arrived were staggering with extremely low morale and an unacceptably high turnover.

The solution was a system of beliefs that Scott will speak about called Deck Plate Leadership. A process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, by engaging hearts, minds and loyalty.

The ultimate test for Scott Waddle came after a tragic accident when the USS Greeneville collided with the Japanese fishing training vessel Ehime Maru, sinking it in three minutes and killing nine onboard.

What followed was unprecedented: Scott took sole responsbility for his actions and the actions of his crew. Scott delivers a powerful message that "Failure Need Not Be Final" and tells us "That there are no falures of life, only mistakes...and from these mistakes, lessons."

Accommodations

Our Standard Cabins are available to Operation Boot Camp guests. Each family unit comes with a double bed, bunk beds, and a private bath. Towels/bedding not provided. Each cabin sleeps up to nine people.

Lodge Rooms are available on a limited basis for an additional fee of $110 (towels and linens included).

Itinerary

Thursday, October 15th
5:30 to 7 p.m. - Registration
7:00 p.m. - Welcome & Orientation

Friday, October 16th
8:00 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Sessions/Breakouts*
12:00 p.m. - Lunch - followed by recreation**
5:00 p.m. - Supper
6:00 p.m. - Session, followed by evening activities

Saturday, October 17th
8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Sessions/Breakouts
12:00 - Lunch - followed by recreation
5:00 - Supper
6:00 - Session, followed by evening activities

Sunday, October 18th
8:00 - Sweet Rolls & Coffee
8:30 - Worship
9:15 - Session
10:30 - Brunch
12:00 - Departure

* Nursery and age-appropriate groups for children are available during all sessions and breakouts.
** Recreational options include boating, hiking, archery and organized family competitions.

Service animals are permitted, but please notify Forest Springs in advance.

Cost & Event Sponsors:

The cost of this event is underwritten by businesses and personal donations. A deposit of $50 is necessary with each registration form. It is non-refundable on cancellation, but refunded at the time of check in.

Interested in helping to underwrite this event? Please visit our donation page and select "Military Family Retreat/Operation Boot Camp." Click here.

The 2019 event was underwritten by the following sponsors: