Operation: Military Kids24 February 2010

The Purpose

Minnesota Operation: Military Kids builds partnerships to increase capacity for youth, families and communities to support youth of military families

OMK National and State Partners

For more information contact: 800-4444-4238 ext 223 or omk@umn.edu

OMK Overview

• Create community support networks for military youth “in our own backyard” when parent(s) are deployed

• Deliver recreational, social and educational programs for military youth living in civilian communities

• Support military kids coping with the stress of knowing their deployed parents may be in harm’s way

OMK Overview (cont.)

• Collaborate with schools to ensure that staff are attuned to the unique needs of military students

• Educate the public on the impact of the deployment cycle on Soldiers, families, kids and the community as a whole

• Become a part of the ongoing 4-H Program in the locations where there are military families

OMK Elements – Hero Packs

• Hero Packs are given to suddenly military youth as a thanks for the sacrifices that they make while their parents are deployed

• Packs are filled with journals, books, disposable cameras, stationary, Hero pins, personal notes and more

OMK Elements – Ready, Set, Go!/Hidden Heroes Trainings

• R,S,G!/Hidden Heroes Trainings are designed to increase understanding of the unique issues facing military youth dealing with the deployment and reintegration of a parent or loved one

OMK Elements – Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK)

• SOMK is a youth-driven community outreach initiative designed to raise awareness of issues facing military families

• SOMK gives kids an opportunity to put voice to their story and find others that share their experience

OMK Elements – Mobile Technology Lab (MTL)

• The MTL contains 14 laptops, a printer, scanner, digital camera, video camera and various software

• The MTL can be used at any OMK activity including SOMK to help kids stay connected to their parents while they are deployed

OMK Elements – Youth Activities

OMK Website

Thank you for helping us support Minnesota’s Military Kids!