BETHLEHEM, N.H. –
A group of New Hampshire National Guardsmen traveled to Bethlehem on a Black Hawk on Aug. 1 to visit 50 children attending Copper Cannon Camp.
The North Country flight from Concord was scheduled during the sleepaway camp’s annual military week, when only military dependents attend.
“Parents volunteer, kids didn’t have a choice,” said Peter Christnacht, the camp’s executive director. “So we have to do what we can to support the families.”
Invigorated campers toured the helicopter between close-up views of the landing and takeoff.
Some of the visitors, like Lt. Col. David Devoy, commander of 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion, had children in attendance.
“It’s a great experience for them to enjoy a summer camp up north and with kids who are part of military families,” said DeVoy, who caught up with his sons, David and Darwin.
The kids have been enjoying traditional summer camp activities including campfires, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, games and sports during their week-long getaway. No cell phones were allowed until the end of each day’s events.
“The most important thing is building relationships,” Christnacht said.
1st Lt. Jeff Landholt, a maintenance control officer with 744th Transportation Company, made the trip to see his nine-year-old son, Ryken. He was pleased that his friends from overseas deployments also had children there.
“Now we get back, and our kids are spending time together,” Landholt said. “It’s a good way to blend (military) families.”
The camp’s military week is available annually to all current NHNG families through the State Family Program. For more information, call 603-225-1269.