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Operation: Military Kids. 24 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:
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Operation: Military Kids 24 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