Military Mom in Action

Creating a community support network...for children and youth whose parents are deployed.

When National Guard, Army Reserve and other military parents living in civilian communities are mobilized, their children suddenly become different. Now they are "military kids" but they still "look the same" to teachers, friends and the rest of the community. Their lives are turned upside down!

Many of their usual support systems may no longer be adequate. Extensive media coverage of on-going military operations creates daily anxiety. These "new" military kids need to connect with other youth in similar situations. They seek friends and adults who can empathize and can help them cope with their new world.

State and County Cooperative Extension staff, community agencies, schools, and 4-H Club youth are reaching out to military youth ... Before, During and After their parents are deployed. This outreach effort is called Operation: Military Kids!

Operation: Military Kids

Creates community support network for military youth "in our own backyard" when Soldier parents are deployed.
Delivers recreation, social and educational programs for military youth living in civilian communities.
Supports military kids coping with the stress of knowing their deployed parents may be in harm's way.
Collaborates with schools to ensure that staff are attuned to the unique needs of military students.
Educates the public on the impact of the deployment cycle on Soldiers, families, kids and the community as a whole.
Becomes a part of the ongoing 4-H Program in the locations where there are military families.

http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/home.aspx

MISSION

To support the social, emotional, and academic needs of National Guard children and youth.

National Guard Child and Youth Programs Strategic Plan

The National Guard Child and Youth Programs strategic plans include seventeen areas of focus. Each of the seven Regional Youth Coordinators maintains state support and program-wide responsibilities.

Awards and Recognition	Provide local, state, and national programs to recognize outstanding child and youth services.
Child Care	Provide quality childcare that is affordable, accessible, and accredited to families of National Guard service members.
Command Support	Reinforce and encourage command support for child and youth initiatives.
Curriculum	Develop curriculum for all pertinent stakeholders that meets the unique needs of National Guard children and youth.
CYS Initiatives	Promote Army CYS initiatives to National Guard families, children and youth.
Educational Support	Research, create and implement pertinent educational materials and resources that will aid stakeholders in their understanding and support of child and youth issues.
Faith-based Initiatives	Foster faith-based relationships in support of National Guard children and youth.
Marketing	Utilize marketing methods to support National Guard child and youth programming.
Partnerships	Initiate new partnerships in the support of National Guard Children and Youth
Research	Use research findings to support and develop National Guard children and youth programs.
Resources	Facilitate access to all available resources for the children and youth of National Guard service members.
Retention	Utilize child and youth programs as an effective tool for retention.
Service Learning	Utilize school clubs to support the social, emotional and academic needs of National Guard children and youth.
State Support	Support the development of effective youth programming in each state and territory.
Technology	Promote technology-based solutions and maximize child and youth initiatives through technological innovation.
Training	Maximize training opportunities and enhance current training initiatives for National Guard children and youth and their advocates.
Youth Camps	Provide standards, curriculum, and assessment for state youth camps.