As DAV continues to do what we can to help prevent any further spread of the COVID-19 virus, I wanted to take a moment to address our departments, chapters and volunteers who are interested in fundraising for Camp Corral and DAV’s Just B Kids scholarship.

First, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of the DAV departments and chapters who have supported Camp Corral. Together over the last seven years, we have helped send more than 4,500 deserving children to camp.

At this time, there have been no changes to Camp Corral’s desire to host children of wounded, injured, ill and fallen military heroes this summer. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to recommend social distancing as one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the virus. Based upon this guidance, DAV National Headquarters is strongly encouraging our department and chapter leaders to not attempt to solicit funds for this year’s camp at this time.

Just recently, the President has asked for no gathering larger than 10 individuals for at least the next eight weeks. Although this may change, we simply cannot, in good faith and judgment, ask our leaders, members and their families to go out and attempt to raise funds. Further, many of our volunteers are particularly vulnerable to this disease.

As a father myself, I do not take this guidance lightly, nor does this organization. DAV supports Camp Corral because we see the amazing benefit of the children of disabled veterans, the fallen and military members attending such a camp. It’s truly a rare opportunity for these kids to meet and interact with others from similar backgrounds and experiences.

It is our sincere hope that the situation improves before camps start, and these children get to experience all that the camp has to offer.

Until then, if you know of any family members with children currently enrolled in an upcoming Camp Corral summer camp, please inform them that future updates will come directly from the camps in which they are registered to attend.

Your participation, and all you do to keep our promises to the men and women who served, are evidence of your dedication and commitment to care for the nation’s heroes and their families. Sadly, for the time being, that includes extraordinary caution as the nation responds to this outbreak.