Celebrating military children: 6 programs to support your child's journey

Happy MOMC! April is not only the time for blooming flowers and warmer weather (yay!); it's also the Month of the Military Child, a time to acknowledge the sacrifices and patience of our military kids worldwide. These young heroes often face unique challenges: frequent relocations, the absence of a parent due to deployments, etc. However, there are many programs, benefits, and scholarships designed to support them along the way. Let's explore six of these resources that can play a supportive role in the lives of our military children:

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): The MCEC focuses on ensuring quality education opportunities for all military-connected children. From advocacy efforts to specialized programs like Student 2 Student, which helps incoming students adjust to new schools, MCEC provides comprehensive support to military families navigating the education system.

https://www.militarychild.org/for-families/support/
https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/

 Operation Purple Camp: Summer camp can be a transformative experience for any child, and Operation Purple Camp offers this opportunity specifically for military children. These camps provide a supportive environment where kids can bond with peers who understand their unique experiences while enjoying outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and leadership development opportunities.

https://www.militaryfamily.org/programs/operation-purple/operation-purple-camp/

 National Military Family Association (NMFA): In addition to hosting the Operation Purple Camp, NMFA offers various programs and resources tailored to support military families, including children. Their scholarship programs assist military children in pursuing higher education, helping to alleviate the financial burden often associated with college tuition.

https://www.militaryfamily.org/

 Our Military Kids: This organization focuses on supporting children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members by funding extracurricular activities. Whether it's sports, arts, or STEM programs, Our Military Kids helps military children pursue their passions and interests, promoting resilience and well-being.

https://www.ourmilitarykids.org/

 Military OneSource: Military OneSource offers a wide range of resources and support services for military families, including children. From counseling services to educational materials and information on relocation, Military OneSource serves as a comprehensive hub for accessing assistance and guidance tailored to the unique needs of military children and their parents.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil

 Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families: Recognizing the challenges military children may face in maintaining academic progress amidst frequent moves and parental deployments, Tutor.com provides free online tutoring and homework help to eligible military children. This resource ensures that students have access to academic support wherever they are stationed, empowering them to succeed academically despite the disruptions that military life may bring.

https://military.tutor.com/home

These amazing programs represent just a fraction of the support available to military children and their families. From educational assistance to recreational opportunities and community resources, these initiatives play a vital role in honoring and uplifting the youngest members of our military community, deserving all our love, recognition, and support!

As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, let's not only recognize their sacrifices but also commit to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. It starts with awareness & research! Whether through advocacy, donations, or volunteering, we can all play a part in ensuring that military children have the opportunities they deserve.