New Jersey   Operation: Military Kids

New Jersey Operation:Military Kids Home Page                                                  

Pictures: SOMK Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute May 5 - 7, 2006  

OMK is a national partnership of Army, USDA and 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs, schools and other community organizations. The mission of OMK is to reach out to Army National Guard and Reserve. families, especially children 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.

Under Grant funds provided through the USDA / Army Youth Development Project, state teams comprised of State 4-H Military Liaisons, National 4-H Directors Council Representatives, 4-H Volunteers, youth, school staff, National Guard and Reserves Family Program Staff and representatives of other appropriate State and community organizations are building networks of support for these youth and families.  They will involve both military and civilian youth in implementing educational programs in effected communities.

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

Contact Information

Gloria Kraft County 4-H Agent
OMK New Jersey State Team Leader

Telephone

609-265-5052

 

FAX

609-265-5613

 

Postal address

Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension, County of Burlington

PO Box 6000, Mount Holly, NJ 08060-6000

 

Electronic mail

General Information: [email protected]
Webmaster: [email protected]

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Last modified: May 17, 2006