WASHBURN (AP) - Children of National Guard and Reserve soldiers who are deployed overseas got a chance to bond at a special camp here.

The Military Youth Camp was designed to help the children understand what their parents go through. It also gave them a chance to visit with others like themselves, said 1st Sgt. Rick Marschner of Mandan, who has organized the camp the past two years.

Darian Pearson, 13, said "being with friends" was his favorite thing about camp.

The children were grouped into two "platoons," one for 13- to 17-year-olds and one for 9- to 12-year-olds. Nearly 20 volunteers from the North Dakota National Guard worked with Western 4-H camp staff.

The children got a close-up look at the weapons used in Iraq. They learned archery, blackpowder shooting and participated in a tomahawk throw. They crafted fishing tackle, participated in an egg-drop competition, went through an obstacle course and raced on inflatable rafts.

They also learned outdoor survival training and how to build a fire and shelter, along with first-aid skills.