Click on the images below to connect with these valuable resources. Disclaimer: Posting and sharing of resources on this web does not constitute an endorsement by National Guard Bureau, the Program Management Team or contract personnel.
4-H Military Partnerships creates opportunities and provides support to military connected youth whether they live on or near an installation, in our communities, or on overseas installations. 4-H clubs provide consistency in belonging and an opportunity to develop life skills through a positive youth development framework
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) provides valuable resources to support military families navigating the unique challenges of service life. Their website offers expert guidance on talking to children about deployment, as well as Facts for Families on topics such as sleep problems, anxiety, and coping with disasters. AACAP also provides clinical resources and assistance in finding a qualified mental health professional.
The Red Cross supports military members, veterans, and their families by helping them prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military life. Volunteers provide essential services and comforts on military bases and in hospitals worldwide, assist military families during deployments and emergencies, and continue offering support to veterans even after their service ends.
We provide hands-on, innovative, specialized programs and support services to military service members and their families with a particular focus on junior-enlisted men and women — the individuals on the front lines of defending our nation. Programs are offered at low cost and require no dues or membership fees.
This is a great activity book for military kids which includes activities they can do when a loved on is deployed.
Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Bloom is the place you can find comfort and advice about everything military kid related: from moving tips to the top things to do at your duty station. You can also read posts from our featured authors, often other military kids who want to share their stories and connect with their community. They all offer a different perspective on military life. Bloom also highlights all the cool things military brats are doing around the world, like writing songs about their life and winning awards.
Blue Star Families, founded by military family members in 2009, supports and empowers the families of our all-volunteer military. By connecting military families with local communities and resources, we help them thrive despite the unique challenges they face, such as frequent moves, deployments, and economic insecurity. Through groundbreaking research and innovative programs, we tackle issues like spouse career development, family strength, and caregiver support.
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a non-partisan, non-political, and non-sectarian organization dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we unite mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians of those serving in the military, National Guard, or reserves, as well as veterans. With nearly 6,000 members across more than 200 chapters nationwide, we provide a strong network of support.
Camp Corral is dedicated to empowering the children of wounded, ill, injured, and fallen service members through evidence-based recreational programs and holistic, non-clinical support services. Designed to address the unique challenges these children face, our programs focus on peer connections, confidence-building, coping skills, and respite opportunities for families.
Our mission is to engage in applied research and evaluation, implementation science, education, and outreach to advance the well-being and health of military families.
MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) is the Department of Defense’s comprehensive resource for finding quality, approved child care options worldwide. Designed to simplify the search process, MCC allows military families to explore and request care anytime, from anywhere, ensuring flexibility to meet their unique needs. MCC helps you navigate your childcare options with ease. Learn more by exploring MCC resources (click the logo above) or by visiting our Childcare Options page.
MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.
Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more.
Commissaries are an integral part of the quality of life offered to service members and their families. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency.
Military Teen Adventure Camps offer high-energy, outdoor experiences. Open to military youth ages 13-18 from Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Retired families, these camps are available at little to no cost and take place across the country. Funding is available to help with transportation costs. Funded by DoD, MCFP, OMFRP, & USDA Partnership.
NMFA is the voice of military families because, for 49 years, we have proven that we stand behind service members, their spouses, and their children. Our Association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families. They know we have “boots on the ground” with military families and understand better than anyone that “military families serve, too.”
The National Guard Spouse and Family Interest page is a comprehensive resource developed by NGB J1, offering valuable information and links to programs and services available through the National Guard and its military partners. Designed to support spouses and families, this site provides easy access to resources on, Strong Bonds, Exceptional Family Member Program, Family Programs, Resilience, and more, empowering National Guard families to thrive at every stage of their journey.
It's a great feeling. To get relief during a crisis, a way to regain resiliency and a little bit of recognition and recurring support for a life of sacrifice. That's what we do at Operation Homefront... and it's making a difference.
Our Military Kids® is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.
At the National Military Family Association (NMFA), we believe that Military Kids Serve Too®. Since 2004, Operation Purple Camp has celebrated their service by providing FREE, weeklong summer camp experiences designed specifically for military-connected children. Additionally, families and campers are connected with valuable resources, including mental health support, to ensure ongoing well-being long after camp ends.
For years, beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Big Bird have helped children learn and grow while having fun. Through Sesame Street for Military Families, the Defense Department leverages these familiar friends to support military-connected children, ages 2-8, as they navigate the complexities of deployments, relocations, transitions, and more.
Tutor.com is dedicated to promoting equity, opportunity, and achievement for all learners. We partner with colleges and universities, K-12 schools and districts, public and state libraries, employee benefit programs, and the U.S. Military to provide 24/7, on-demand tutoring and homework help in more than 250 subject areas.
United Heroes League is dedicated to ensuring that children of military service members have every opportunity to participate in sports. We provide free sports equipment, camps, pro sports tickets, and financial assistance. Eligible families include currently serving U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces members, honorably discharged veterans who have deployed to a combat zone, and service members with a 20-year honorable retirement.
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
United Through Reading connects military families who are separated - for deployment or military assignment - by providing the bonding experience of shared storytime.
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development.
Consent & Sexual Violence
Consent & Sexual Violence
Consent & Sexual Violence
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an estimated one in nine girls, and 1 in fifty-three boys, under the age of 18, experience sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult. RAINN also reported females between the ages of 16-19 are four times more likely than the general populations to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
These statistics, as well as those from other world and national organizations and research entities, validate the importance of teaching youth about the importance of consent, and what to do, should they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. These conversations should start early, utilizing age-appropriate vocabulary, and continue on into adulthood.
In an effort to help and support parents, guardians and youth service works, consider reviewing the following resources, as they all contain information about working with, teaching and equipping youth with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe, healthy and, to the extent possible, out of dangerous situations.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//teen_sexual_assault_teens.pdf
Love is Respect.Org: https://www.loveisrespect.org/dating-basics-for-healthy-relationships/warning-signs-of-abuse/
Break the Cycle:
https://www.breakthecycle.org/working-young-survivors
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: https://rainn.org/warning-signs
Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/sexual-consent
Shared Hope International: https://sharedhope.org/
Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/
Coping with Divorce
Consent & Sexual Violence
Consent & Sexual Violence
Let's face it, divorce or long separations can be challenging at best. No one ever wants to feel removed from those they care about, but in reality, things like divorce and long separations happen. This can cause some mixed emotions and feelings when it occurs. You may find yourself happy one day... sad the next... angry another day, or you may feel numb at times. There are no rules to how you experience emotions when something like this happens. As a result, you may find yourself feeling confused about everything happening around you.
If you find yourself in this place, don't be afraid to ask for help and seek out someone you know and trust. You might also check out some of these resources, as they give you some great tips and information to help you positively cope with things happening in your life.
Teens Health: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/deal-with-divorce.html
University of Missouri Extension:
http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH6602
Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-a-divorce/
Deployment & Separations
Consent & Sexual Violence
Deployment & Separations
Military deployments and prolonged separations have become a way of life for many Army National Guard Families. Whether the Service Member is away from home for one month or one year, his/her absence can have a profound impact on a child's social, emotional and physical health.
The following resources, available through Army National Guard Child and Youth Services, are designed specifically to provide parents/guardians with valuable information to help support your youth the next time his/her loved one is away from home.
Our Military Kids: This organization provides grants to youth so they can participate in extra-curricular activities, which might not otherwise be possible due to financial constraints within the family.
LINK: http://ourmilitarykids.org/
Sesame Street for Military Families: "Talk, Listen, Connect" videos are available in the Explore by Topic section of the Sesame Street for Military Families website. These videos and related resources, including extensive tips for parents, downloadable child activities, and links to outside websites, are free to all site visitors.
LINK: http://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/
Deployment Guides and Resources: This website provide valuable information for military families, regardless of military branch affiliation. Families are able to access information on the deployment cycle, resources available and other relevant military community topics.
LINK: http://www.military.com/deployment/deployment-guides-and-resources.html
Operation: We Are Here: This website contains lists of books for youth which focus on various aspects of the deployment cycle and military life. Many of the books listed come with brief overviews, as well as links to available retailers.
LINK: http://www.operationwearehere.com/ChildrenBooks.html
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
Deployment & Separations
Sometimes when the stressors of life become too great, we may find ourselves trying to find 'outs' as a way of coping with everything. For many youth, this may include spending time with friends or doing physical exercise; however, some youth may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of dealing with everything. In 2014, an estimated 1.3 million youth between the ages of 12-17 had some sort of substance use disorder according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). While turning to drugs or alcohol may seem like a great idea at the time, that decision can have long-term negative impacts on your life, your health and your relationships.
If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed by things, talk to someone you know and trust or engage in a positive activity you enjoy. Turning to drugs and alcohol may seem like an easy 'fix' but it is not a healthy decision and may only provide a short break from everything. In additional to talking and doing positive activities you enjoy, take a look at the following resources, as they provide more great tips for successfully coping with life and avoiding the temptation to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Promises Treatment Centers:
https://www.promises.com/articles/teens/10-reasons-teens-abuse-alcohol-or-drugs/
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens:
Grief and Loss
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
Coping with the loss of someone or something you hold dear can be challenging; it's never easy to let go and keep moving forward. All of us experience different emotions following a loss, whether it be the death of a loved one or a pet, or it be the result of moving and saying 'goodbye' to your friends. Whatever the situation, what each person experiences is unique to them... there are no 'right' or 'wrong' emotions when someone or something is lost. It is important to remember, however, that people around you care and love you - they are there to help you get through what you may be struggling with, but you have to reach out.
If you, or someone you know, may be struggling with grief and loss, there are people and resources available to you. Talking with someone you know and trust can be the first step towards positively managing your thoughts, feelings and emotions. You might also check out the following resources:
Children and Youth Grief Network:
http://www.childrenandyouthgriefnetwork.com/
The Dougy Center:
https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
Helping Youth Cope with School Violence
In the wake of school shootings and violence, helping youth make sense of everything can be difficult. Movements like the March for Our Lives rally, and other youth and adult-lead initiatives, have started paving the way to enact possible change regarding gun control and efforts to ensure the safety of youth at school.
The following links provide information for helping youth make sense of the world around them...
American School Counselor Association (ASCA): This website provides links to information and resources for supporting the emotional health of youth struggling with the recent rise in school violence. ASCA provides downloadable resources as well as online trainings adults can complete to better understand their role in helping youth. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Publications-Research/Publications/Free-ASCA-Resources/After-a-School-Shooting
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) This link takes you to a page with helpful strategies for supporting youth struggling with fears about school violence. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-families-and-educators
National Center for Healthy Safe Children: Fostering safe and healthy schools and communities can lead to positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The National Center for Healthy Safe Children offers resources, training, and technical assistance to support states, tribes, territories, and local communities as they promote overall wellbeing for students and their families. https://www.air.org/centers/national-center-healthy-safe-children
Suicide and Crisis Lifelines
Supporting Military-Connected Youth with Special Medical or Educational Needs
Supporting Military-Connected LGBQ Youth
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an estimated 44,193 Americans die by suicide each year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death (overall) in the United States. in 2014, 1,668 youth aged 13-18 committed suicide. Research has found that the rate of suicide among youth increases as they grow older. Depression, substance abuse, bullying, sexual orientation or sexual identity and dramatic changes in their personal life can all be factors impacting rates of suicide among youth.
If you, or someone you know, may be contemplating suicide, please seek help. Call the National Suicide and Lifeline at 988. Reach out to someone you know and trust. Please do not stay silent, as people care and are available to help.
You might also look at the following resources for additional information:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Teen Help: https://www.teenhelp.com/teen-suicide/teen-suicide-statistics/
Center for Parent and Teen Communication: https://parentandteen.com/
Supporting Military-Connected LGBQ Youth
Supporting Military-Connected Youth with Special Medical or Educational Needs
Supporting Military-Connected LGBQ Youth
Military families with LGBQ youth face unique challenges that may be heightened by frequent separations, deployments, and the complexities of military life. It’s crucial to foster an open, supportive, and inclusive environment for LGBQ children to thrive, both at home and within the military community.
Families can face difficult conversations around acceptance, identity, and understanding, particularly in a culture where some may not fully embrace LGBT identities. For military families, these challenges can be compounded by concerns about privacy, the impact of military life on mental health, and access to supportive resources.
However, there are a wealth of support networks, resources, and organizations dedicated to helping LGBQ youth and their families navigate these challenges.
It Gets Better: https://itgetsbetter.org/
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org/
Human Rights Campaign (HRC): https://www.hrc.org/
Modern Military Association of America: https://modernmilitary.org/programs/milpride-advocacy-and-support/
Supporting Military-Connected Youth with Special Medical or Educational Needs
Supporting Military-Connected Youth with Special Medical or Educational Needs
Supporting Military-Connected Youth with Special Medical or Educational Needs
When you have a family member with special medical or educational needs, being a guardian means juggling a whole new set of challenges. From navigating special child care services to managing ongoing medical issues, complex housing situations, and strained finances, it can feel overwhelming to ensure your loved one gets the care and support they need, especially while serving in the military.
The good news is you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. With the right resources, you can focus on what matters most—caring for your loved ones and ensuring your family thrives despite the added challenges.
Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/
Kids Mental Health Foundation: https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/
Organization for Autism Research: https://researchautism.org/
Pinky Swear Foundation: https://pinkyswear.org/
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/
National Military Family Association: https://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/efmp-special-needs/
TriCare: https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/SpecialNeeds/SNResources
MIC3: https://mic3.net/supporting-military-families-with-special-medical-or-educational-needs/