Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
Ohio Military Kids (OMK) is a joint effort between 4-H Youth Development of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. Across the nation, there are almost two million children who have a parent or guardian serving in the United States Armed Forces. Roughly three quarters of those military-connected youth are 4-18 years of age. Military-connected youth can be found in every school district in the country. There are roughly 30,000 Ohio children with a parent or guardian serving in the military. With only one active duty base in Ohio (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), the importance of education and community outreach is necessary when it comes to supporting the social, emotional and academic needs of these children. Ohio has the outstanding benefit of community and university support to offer military families countless resources. With financial support of private donors and grants, OMK is a thriving program that offers year-round educational and recreational programs to youth of military families. In addition, OMK promotes and distributes resources to equip families with the skills and networks necessary to thrive as a successful military family, whether on reservist duties or actively serving. Events offered by OMK are intended to let military-connected youth know that they are not alone. "Military-connected youth" are children, adolescents, or students with a close family member (parent, stepparent, sibling, stepsibling, cousin) or friend serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces in any status (active duty, reserve, or National Guard). The OMK activities offer a positive opportunity to meet other children who face the unique family situations, stresses and successes that a military family may be subject to. Programs that will be highlighted in the presentation include hero camps, troop and family camps, youth and teen camps, and parent workshops. The goal of OMK is to create community support networks for military youth when they experience a loved one's deployment. OMK educates the public on the impact a deployment has on a service member's children, families and communities through awareness-building and educational trainings with schools and community organizations. This session will highlight the recent trends in OMK involvement, promote the resources that are offered, and allow questions to be answered about OMK programming.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Kayla Oberstadt, Program Manager, 4-H Youth Development, The Ohio State University Extension, [email protected] (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, State 4-H Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension; Erin Van Gorden, Student Assistant, The Ohio State University Extension; Emily Likens, Student Assistant, The Ohio State University Extension.Ohio Military Kids (OMK) is a joint effort between 4-H youth development at The Ohio State University and Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. OMK activities offer a positive opportunity to meet other children who face the unique family situations, stresses and successes that a military family may be subject to. Learn about what OMK offers, including camps and workshops. Visit the OMK poster presentation to see how to refer military families to our local resources, learn how you could become a volunteer, and how we, as a community, can support those families who bravely serve our country
