Celebrating Purple Up Day
While we serve military children all year long, during April, the Month of the Military Child, we celebrate the strength and resilience of military-connected children a little extra.
One special moment within the month is Purple Up! Day on April 15. On this day, everyone is invited to wear purple as a visible sign of support and gratitude for military children. Purple represents the combined colors of all branches of the military, symbolizing unity and honoring the sacrifices these children experience.
This craft symbolizes how each child’s unique experiences and strengths shine in their own way; just like the campers we celebrate all summer long!
“My Strength Shines Bright” Sun Catcher
Materials:
- Purple construction paper (or any shades of purple you have!)
- Tissue paper (purple, yellow, or any bright colors)
- Clear contact paper or wax paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick, Mod Podge or Elmer’s glue
- String or ribbon
- Markers
Instructions:
- Create Your Frame
Cut a large shape out of purple construction paper; this can be a heart, star, or even a sun. Then cut out the center, leaving a thick border to create a frame. - Add the Shine
Cut small pieces of tissue paper and stick them onto contact paper or glue them onto wax paper. Encourage your child to mix colors and patterns, this represents the different experiences, strengths, and perspectives they bring to the world. - Build Your Sun Catcher
Glue the purple frame on top of the tissue paper layer. Trim any excess paper around the edges. - Make It Personal
On the frame, write words or phrases that represent your strengths. This could be things like brave, kind, adaptable, or strong. For military-connected kids, this is a great opportunity to recognize the unique challenges they navigate and the resilience they show. - Hang and Celebrate
Punch a hole at the top, tie a string, and hang it in a sunny window. Watch how the light shines through, just like the impact each child has on their community.
As you create this craft together, take a moment to talk about what makes your child unique. What have they learned through their experiences? How do they show strength? How do they support others?