It is not easy to become a SEAL and stay a SEAL – but the challenges do not stop with the operatives alone. The nature of their work also puts a strain on their families, including their children.

It is for this reason that the Navy SEAL Foundation has organized a summer camp especially for the children of Navy SEALs. The camp provides the children with an opportunity to have fun and play games, as well as learn more about military life. The camp also includes counseling, all in an effort to ease the difficulties associated with having Navy SEAL parents.

The first such program was organized last year, with 125 children participating in the camp. The goal of the organizers is to invite nearly 600 kids for next summer’s camp, to be set in Virginia and California. Eight SEAL Teams are based in these two states.

A SEAL mom, whose identity was not revealed, shared how the camp was able to help her two children “face their fears” and understand better the life that their father has chosen to lead: “Our kids live in the dark, and they live with a lot of disappointment. The fact that Dad didn’t come home when he said he would is part of the life,” she said. “SEAL moms are protective… We’re picky about who our kids are with, but in the camp, they realized they are not alone. They came home feeling it’s kind of cool what Dad does.”

Those who would like to support the Navy SEAL Foundation’s efforts towards bringing plans for the summer camp for SEAL kids to fruition may visit the Navy SEAL Foundation website to make a donation.