ELLERBE, N.C. — A summer camp for children of military families is under way in Ellerbe, as well as eight other states in the country.

Camp Corral's mission is to give a meaningful and fun experience, free of charge, to kids whose lives have been affected by a parent's military disability or death. With everything from the usual camp activities, to visits with the Air National Guard, officials say the kids are having a blast.

However camp leaders say the bonds that are formed are the best part.

"To hear them, how excited they are to be around other kids that know what they've gone through to know what they've experienced and to be able to have talked through those has just been invaluable for the kids and it tugs at your heart strings, no doubt," said Lance Trenary, with Golden Corral.

Adults say it is an amazing sight to watch.

"They come here and get to meet other kids from the same circumstance and make new friends and as the sign says, they come on Monday and leave Friday changed forever," said Brigadier Gen. Tony McMillan, NC Air National Guard.

The camp is sponsored by Golden Corral. There are about 130 kids at Camp Corral this summer. Officials are hoping to have even more next year.