‘We are all family’: Military Teen Adventure Camp continues to forge community in the outdoors

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) —

The University of Kentucky Military Teen Adventure Camp (MTAC) is a Cooperative Extension Service program at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, focused on bringing military families together through outdoor adventures. Families from all branches of the military gather to spend a long weekend with their children to engage in white-water rafting, paintball, tubing and other recreational activities.

This year, one of the MTAC events took place in Ocoee, Tennessee. 

President of Expeditions Afield and UK alum, Byron Marlowe shared the camp’s mission and the difference these days make with families.

“Pretty much all of our activities aim to put the parent and teen together, through challenges and activities that they can accomplish,” Marlowe said. “Through these high adventure activities, we feel that it builds stronger bonds and relationships with the parent and teenager.”

With a record year of participants, families not only strengthened their relationships but also found new friendships. Attendees included both returning and new families travelling from all over. Several new families this year discovered MTAC from hearing others’ positive experiences.

Elisabeth Pennington, camp staff and previous camp participant, now helps ensure teens are safe, having fun and feeling welcomed. Pennington expressed the importance of MTAC and the impact it continues to have on her life.

“I love camp,” Pennington said. “I think about camp when I’m in the off season.”

When asked about her favorite part of camp, she shared that teens getting out of their comfort zone and trying something new adds to the overall experience. 

“There is a normal amount of discomfort in new situations, but that is where growth comes from,” Pennington said. “No matter what, I always felt welcomed and safe. I am so thankful to have this opportunity as a staff member.”  

Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist at Martin-Gatton CAFE, Tyrone Atkinson, has been attending camp for several years and noted how each year connections get deeper and friendships continue to grow.  

“One of the things that makes our camp special is that we don’t come to bear titles,” Atkinson said. “We are all family for the weekend.”  

Robb Sucher is an active-duty member of the Marine Corps and a first-time MTAC participant. His wife, a UK alumnus, found out about MTAC online and they agreed it looked like a great opportunity for him to spend quality time with his kids.

“It’s been incredible. It’s not too often that you get a weekend away with your kids, get them off their phones in the outdoors, around other kids that are alike in terms of military and spend time with them,” Sucher said. “Having the opportunity to take the time to talk with other service members about their kids, what challenges they face and our shared experiences. It’s a great opportunity to just take the work culture out and enjoy each other's company.”

Kentucky 4-H Youth Development extension specialist Kim Schrader shed light on the underlying aspect of the camp.

“The teens don’t know each other, but they all have a connection. They are not afraid to step out because they know they all belong to our military service,” Schrader said.  

MTAC events are coordinated by Purdue University Extension, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and supported by the U.S. Department of Defense between the Office of Military Community and Family Policy.

To learn more about how MTAC serves as a resource for military families, visit https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/MTAC or contact senior extension specialist Kerri Ashurst, director of the UK military family camping program.

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 20234870341193. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Agriculture.