The 9th Annual New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp is being held from July 6-12 at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J. It is open to children and grandchildren of active and retired Army and Air National Guard members.

The purpose of the camp is to provide a positive experience while educating the youth on the hazards of substance abuse and becoming aware of their environment. The camp experience helps the youth cope with the stress of separation caused by military duty. It also gives the youths an understanding of why their loved one volunteers to serve the State of New Jersey and the nation in the National Guard.

Each camper is afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as: archery, sports, arts & crafts and waterfront activities. Campers also participate in a Gang Awareness program, a drug awareness program, a military campout experience and a field trip to the Training and Training Technology Battle Lab at Fort Dix, N.J.

Media interested in seeing the camp may do so on Friday, July 11, from 9-11 a.m. Those planning to participate must contact Lt. Col. Roberta Niedt at 732-974-5927.