Vision

Mutually Supportive, Happy, Healthy, and Empowered youth with an understanding of Military Life in the Ohio National Guard and Reserve Components throughout the State of Ohio.

Mission

To empower and support the social, emotional, and academic needs of Ohio National Guard Youth.

State Youth Coordinator

Sue Ann Carroll
Office: 877-460-2177
Cell Phone: 614-302-8227
E-mail: sue.ann.carroll@us.army.mil

OPERATION: Military Kids

Youth Program Specialist

                                  Erin Berry
                                             Office: 614-336-7314
                                             E-mail: erin.berry@us.army.mil

Operation: Military Kids (OMK)

Initiative conceived and designed in January 2004 to support “Suddenly” Military Kids thru activities and programming specifically targeted to Youth of the guard and reserve component directly affected by the Global War on Terror. Ohio became an OMK State officially in March of 2005. Since its inception, OMK has been involved with and supported every event/activity executed by Ohio's Youth Program.

HERO CAMPS & STRONG FAMILY WORKSHOPS*

TROOP & FAMILY CAMPS*

TROOP & TEEN CAMPS* (Troop and Teen Camp scheduled for July 11-12 in Columbus has been cancelled)

CAMP KELLEYS ISLAND*

AIR GUARD YOUTH CAMP
*Hosted by Operation: Military Kids

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR FULL COLOR BROCHURE!

A NEW TROOP AND FAMILY CAMP WAS ADDED:

September 19-20 at Camp Joy.

Please note that the Troop and Family Camp scheduled for September 25-27 at Camp Kern is FULL. You may still register for this Camp at the Camp Joy location.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CAMP THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL CAMPS: Online registration is made possible by the National Guard's Guard Family Portal. If you do not have a username and password for the Guard Family Portal, click "JOIN" on the upper right-hand corner of the Guard Family Portal login page. The process is simple and quick and as soon as you are done, you can register anyone in your family for our future events! Once logged in, click on events.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAMP KELLEYS ISLAND: Be sure to read the Guard Family Portal login instructions above. Once you are on the events page of the Guard Family Portal, register your child in either the 9-11 yr old camp or the 12-15 yr old camp. Register each child individually. After you register one, click on events and register the next one.

If you have questions please contact Sue Ann Carroll at 614-336-7456 or 1-877-460-2177.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY CAMP

STRONG FAMILY WORKSHOPS are...

"very informative, and a good way to meet other families that are in the same boat."

"GO, JUST GO! You will not regret it! Service members

should make sure to attend with their spouse."

Ever been to your Zoo's Military Family Day?

Now is your chance!

All Military Families are invited to attend any of the zoo events throughout the year. Spend the day, the afternoon or just the evening with your family at this special event designed to bring your family together with other Military Families.

Be sure to visit our Military Family Hospitality Station for food, drinks and fun for all Military Families but don't forget to plan enough time to take advantage of everything else the zoo has to offer.

WHO: The WHOLE FAMILY

WHERE & WHEN: Cincinnati Zoo - July 19, 2009

Akron Zoo - September 13, 2009

Columbus Zoo - December 12, 2009

COST: Cost varies by location. Most zoos offer a reduced admission price for service members & their Families.

HOW: Tickets will be available at the gate. Stay tuned to this website for the most up to date information on how to get tickets.

FREE DAYS AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO!

COMING UP!!! June 29, 2009 through July 5, 2009

WHO: Service Members & Families

WHERE: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

COST: Service Members are FREE with a military ID!

HOW: Tickets are available at the zoo box office during regular zoo hours on the dates listed above with a valid military ID.

NOTE: We are working with the Columbus Zoo to include a special Military Family Day. Stay tuned for more information...

Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK)

SOMK is a community service opportunity for military and non-military youth to establish a speakers bureau to advocate for military connected youth affected by the Global War on Terrorism.

Representation form all over the state.

Representation from multiple organizations (4H, Boys and Girls Club).

Some or all of the members are active members of the Ohio National Guard Youth Council (ONGYC).

Goal - Youth to gain leadership, research, organization, and public speaking skills.

Training will be in conjunction with leadership training for ONGYC.

Youth Council

Representation from each of the Geographical 8 Regions throughout the state.

All branches of services welcome.

1st Meeting was held at Youth Symposium in April 06’

Youth created Deployment and Reunion video

2nd Meeting was during SOMK weekend retreat at Ohio State University.

Next Meeting – December 29 - 30 (will meet quarterly their after).

Goal – Continue to build a strong Youth Council.

Create – Reunion and Educator video

Youth Steering Committee

To provide guidance and direction to our Youth Council.

Plan and execute Youth Programs regionally throughout the state (8 Geographic Regions).

2-3 Adult Contacts per region using existing FRG Volunteers and OMK/4H/B & G Clubs/etc volunteers.

Committee will “Mirror” existing structure of our Family Readiness Joint Council.

For more information regarding the Ohio Air Guard
please contact the State Youth Coordinator.

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