RICHMOND, Va. –
April is Month of the Military Child and the Virginia National Guard Youth Program hosted a MOMC kickoff event April 6, 2024, at the Science Museum of Virginia, in order to celebrate and recognize military youth.
Parents, kids and volunteers came together to explore the museum, practice problem solving skills, participate in a scavenger hunt, and watch an educational dome show.
"The kids thought they were there just to have fun, which we did have fun, but after we talked about those drill weekends and times they get separated from the parents, they came to realize this day was really about celebrating their resiliency and courage as Virginia National Guard kids," said Jessica Mullins, Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator. "They came from different places, but they all had one thing in common- their unwavering support for their Soldiers."
The Youth Program also enjoyed MOMC Spirit Week April 8-12. Themes included Motivation Monday, Talent Tuesday, What’s Your Goal Wednesday, Superhero Thursday and Fave Fit Friday.
On April 12, they celebrated Purple Up! Day. On Purple Up! Day people around the world are encouraged to wear purple in order to recognize children from all branches of the military.
The Virginia National Guard Youth Program will host a STEAM Day Camp May 18, 2024, at the Charlottesville Armory. The event, which will take place from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, is aimed at military youth from 6-10 and will feature hours of science, technology, engineering, art and math experiments, activities and games. The event is organized and hosted by the State Teen Panel in an effort to reach more youth across the state. The event is free and registration is available at -
https://steamdaycamp.splashthat.com.
The Youth Program will host the 19th annual Summer Youth Camp July 29 to Aug. 2, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Although registration for the camp has now closed, the Youth Program is still accepting volunteers. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and must pass a background check. Interested personnel can sign up here-
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekNbBFx7geQssZGt2wzPbFVNAdmqOQLxXcd0TgbrWkEXE2VA/viewform
For questions about the Youth Program and any upcoming events, please email
vangyouth@gmail.com
More information about the Youth Program can be found at-
https://va.ng.mil/Programs-Resources/Family-Programs/Youth-Program/
https://www.facebook.com/VANGYouthPro
https://www.instagram.com/vangyouthpro/