Background:
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is the U.S. Army’s collaborative effort with America’s communities to support children and youth of National Guard, Army Reserve and Active Duty families impacted by the Global War on Terrorism.  Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H staff lead the New Jersey OMK State Team in partnership with the National Guard, Army Reserve, the Military Child Education Coalition, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, The American Legion, and Schools.  These and other community organizations are joining Army Child & Youth Services to support military youth before, during and after the deployment of a parent or loved one. 

 

Links:

Operation: Military Kids National Website

Find us on Facebook!

Follow @NJOpMilitaryKid on Twitter!

 

OMK Newsletters

OMK is now sending newsletters to those who have requested to be on the OMK e-mailing list. Please click here to see the latest issue as well as back issues.

OMK News wants to publish your creative works! 

We want to hear your thoughts regarding deployment and military life in any creative form you choose. Click here to find out more about contributing to the OMK News.

 

2012 OMK Programs

Military Appreciation Night - June 14

Join the Camden Riversharks for a night at the ballpark as they celebrate and honor military service personnel and their families. Admission is free for active duty and veteran military personnel. Family and friends can receive tickets at a discount price. Click here to learn more about this fantastic family night.

OMK Family Camp - August 17-19

Mark your calendar for a weekend of family fun at the annual OMK Family Camp held from August 17-19, 2012. Located at the beautiful L.G. Cook 4-H Camp in Stokes State Forest, participants will enjoy the great outdoors as a family. Reconnect through traditional camp activities including boating, hiking, crafting, campfire songs and so much more. Interested families should complete the online registration. The youth permission form and $50 deposit should be mailed to Operation: Military Kids, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963. Take a look at last year's pictures!

OMK Patriot Camp - August 20-25

For military youth in grades 4-8 who are looking for more camping adventures, look no further than OMK Patriot Camp. From August 20-25, L.G. Cook 4-H Camp will celebrate military kids with red, white, and blue fun. Participants will enjoy traditional camp activities, explore military culture, and work with staff to host a USO themed talent show. Interested participants must complete the online registration form. The youth permission form, health form, and participant agreement must be completed and mailed along with a $50 deposit to Operation: Military Kids, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963.

NJ 4-H Teen Leadership Camp - August 24-26

Interested in strengthening leadership skills, meeting new people, and camping with your friends? Then don't miss the NJ 4-H Teen Leadership Camp. This event is held at Nomoco Campgrounds in Turkey Swamp Park (Monmouth County). This year, teens will enjoy an inspirational speaker, hands-on leadership workshops, and a large-scale community service project. The event is co-sponsored by NJ Speak Out for Military Kids! and the State Teen Action Council (STAC). To sign up for this free weekend camp, complete the registration flyer, permission slip, and health forms. Check out the pictures from last year's camp!

L.G. Cook 4-H Camp

Get the most out of summer by spending time at L.G. Cook 4-H Camp. The camp is located in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County, NJ. This is the perfect setting for hands-on fun in the great outdoors. Campers can register now at http://www.nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu/index.html.

 

Recent Events

Healthy Kids Day - April 28

It was a fun-filled day for OMK staff, volunteers and military youth. Participants enjoyed a variety of crafts and activities while making new friends. The "Zumbathon" got everyone dancing to the beat. For a slower pace, participants enjoyed decorating t-shirts. For some, the highlight was swimming in the pool. Stay tuned to see pictures of this fantastic celebration of military kids!

NJ OMK Poster Contest - Results

Wow! OMK received so many fantastic poster designs for the third annual poster contest. It is clear that New Jersey communities are proud of military kids and their families. OMK is excited to share these designs in the coming year across the state at a variety of community outreach events. Thank you to everyone who submitted a design. Click here to see the top four of each age division.

 

Archived Events

See what happend in our past, including Chef on the Go, Poster Contests, and other events on our Archived Events page.

For more information about Operation: Military Kids in New Jersey contact:

Kelly Elam, OMK Project Coordinator

elam@broken.njaes.rutgers.edu please replace "broken." with njaes.rutgers.edu, 973-285-8300 x234, P.O Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963