Operation Military Kids
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Operation Military Kids is a progam targeted at children of National Guard, Army Reserve parents who are deployed overseas. The program:
- 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.
General Overview:
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!
