Operation Welcome Home Summer Family Camp
Description
Serving military members and families, Ironwood’s Operation Welcome Home is a series of retreats for active military, veterans and their families. Retreats are provided free of charge, providing a place for the military community to come together, strengthen their faith, build relationships and support each other.

NOTE: For 2026, for military family retreats, only Minnesota military families (active or veteran) will be accepted for family camps due to the grant money received from the MDVA. This does not include the Families of the Fallen event.

Veteran Eligibility:
To qualify for the Operation Welcome Home Program, registrations must meet the following criteria:

1. A veteran who has met the minimum active duty requirement.

2. Family Members of Current Service Members, Former Service Members, or Veterans:
Spouse
Domestic Partner
Children: Children are defined using the definition of "dependent" found in Minn. R. Chapter 9050.0040, Subp 31. A "dependent" must be an unmarried person who is:
a. Either living with or receiving support contributions from the applicant or resident;
b. A child by birth, a stepchild, an adopted child, or a child for whom the applicant or resident has been appointed legal guardian; and
c. Under 18 years of age or over 18 years of age and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability.

Special Note for Dependent Children: A child who reaches the age of 18 while still enrolled in high school or its equivalent is considered a dependent child until they are no longer enrolled in school.

Documentation Requirements:
Veterans: Upload a copy of your DD214 within 7 days of registration to verify your status via the link in your registration confirmation email.
Minnesota Resident: Only veterans are required to be residents of Minnesota. Active-duty service members from any state are eligible to apply.

Active-Duty Service Members:
As part of our commitment to serving both veterans and their families, we aim to ensure that 20% of approved registrations are active-duty service members. If you are an active-duty service member, we encourage you to register and take advantage of the benefits offered by our program.

Fill Out the Registration: Complete the online registration form with your personal details and military background information.

Submit Documentation:
Active-duty service members from any state are eligible to apply.
Active-duty service members: Bring your CAC ID with you to the retreat.

Registration requires a $50 deposit to hold your family's place, which is refunded after arrival or if cancellation occurs at least 3 weeks before the event.
Dates:
7/6/2026 5:00 PM - 7/8/2026 11:00 AM
Ages:
Ages 0 - 99
Cost:
$50 Refundable Deposit
Availability:
Registration will begin on 1/1/2026.
Operation Welcome Home Service
Veteran - Minnesota Resident
Please select if you are a veteran, live in Minnesota and met the minimum active duty requirement.
Active Duty
Please select this option if you are an active-duty service member.
Veteran - Non Minnesota
Select if you are a veteran and are NOT a resident of Minnesota