SAVE THE DATE! Purple Up Day 2025
Be sure to mark your calendars for this year's Purple Up Day, which will be celebrated on
April 11, 2025. All of us within the ARNG CYS Program invite you, your friends, your family and colleagues to show your support for all military kids by wearing purple and sharing your pictures online. Let's really show our military kids know how much we support them and value all they do as part of the military community.
Check with your local ARNG CYS Team, as some programs will be hosting additional Purple Up Day events and activities throughout the month.
MOMC Photo Contest
We are ready to celebrate Month of the Military Child in an adventurous way! ARNG Child and Youth Services invites National Guard youth to participate in our Adventure Photo Contest by showing us how they embrace the spirit of “Your Adventure Starts Here!” Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, taking on challenges, or making new friends, we want to see your military kid’s journey come to life through photography.
How to Participate:
This photo contest is open to National Guard youth, from newborns to high school seniors. Each child can submit one photo, using any type of camera. Be sure to include a brief statement about how your photo captures the theme of adventure!
Who Can Participate?
We encourage parents/guardians to get involved! If your youth didn’t take the photo themselves, they must be featured in it.
Age Categories:
One winner will be chosen weekly from the following age groups:
- 0-5 years
- 6-12 years
- 13-18 years
Winner Announcements:
Winners will be revealed in the June National Newsletter.
Let’s celebrate the resilience, creativity, and adventurous spirit of our military-connected youth. We can’t wait to see how “Your Adventure Starts Here!”
Contest will start on April 1, 2025 and close on May 2, 2025.
Backpack Design contest
We’re ready to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with creativity and imagination! ARNG Child and Youth Services invites National Guard youth to participate in our Adventure Backpack Design Contest by showcasing their artistic talents and adventurous spirit. Whether it’s a backpack that reflects exploration, creativity, or a unique story, we can’t wait to see what adventure means to YOU!
How to Participate:
Design your ultimate adventure backpack! You can create your design from scratch using your own materials or download our template to get started. Submit your design online using the link provided.
Who Can Participate?
This contest is open to National Guard youth of all ages.
Submission Guidelines:
- Each child may submit one design.
- Designs can be hand-drawn, or you can download our backpack template here
- Submissions must include the youth’s name, age, and a brief description of how the design reflects their idea of adventure.
Age Categories
One winner will be chosen weekly from the following age groups:
- 0–5 years
- 6–12 years
- 13–18 years
Winner Announcements
Winners will be revealed in the June National Newsletter.
Let’s celebrate the resilience, creativity, and adventurous spirit of our military-connected youth!
Contest will start on April 1, 2025 and close on May 2, 2025.
Submit your design here: https://testmoz.com/q/MOMC25-BackpackDesign
Recipe contest
Celebrate the Month of the Military Child by sharing a recipe that reflects your state/territory or holds special meaning for your family! Here’s how to join the fun:
How to Participate:
- Choose a Recipe: Select a recipe that represents your state/territory or a dish that’s special to your family.
- Include a Photo: Provide a family or youth photo to accompany your recipe.
- Prepare Your Submission: Write out the recipe, including:
- The recipe name
- Ingredients list
- Step-by-step instructions
- A brief description of why this recipe is meaningful or how it represents your state/territory.
Contest Details:
- One winning recipe will be selected from each state/territory.
- Winners will be featured in a digital National Guard Child and Youth Program Cookbook shared nationwide.
- All ages are welcome to participate, so let’s get the whole family involved!
Ready to Get Cooking? Let your culinary adventure begin! Share your recipe, your story, and your photo—we can’t wait to celebrate the flavors, creativity, and traditions of National Guard families.
Contest will start on April 1, 2025 and close on May 2, 2025.