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. 

 

2013 Upcoming Programs

4-H Military Kids Club – Thursday Nights from May 16-June 27

Join us at the Bordentown Joint Military & Family Assistance Center for the 4-H Military Kids Club. Contact Amanda Balas at Amanda.m.balas.ctr@broken.mail.mil for more information and to get involved!

NJ National Guard Youth Camp – July 14-20

The New Jersey National Guard Youth Camp is run by the Family Programs Office. We provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the youth of New Jersey Guard members. You can expect a fun filled week of Sports, Arts & Crafts, Swimming, and Archery along with special activities highlighting Health & Fitness, Substance Abuse and Child Safety. The camp will be open to children based on the following criteria:

Tier 1: Children/Legal dependents of a NJ National Guard member
Tier 2: Children/Legal dependents of Department of Military & Veterans Affairs employees and other uniform services
Tier 3: Other

Please contact one of the following people for more information about Youth Camp:

Amanda Balas
609-324-7018
amanda.m.balas.ctr@broken.mail.mil

Nicole Morgan-Lewis
609-324-7019
nicole.l.morgan-lewis.ctr@broken.mail.mil

Speak Out Military Kids (SOMK) Retreat - July 23-25

Teens ages 13-18: Join us for the annual SOMK Retreat, to be held at Rutgers University at 2013. Check back for more information about programming and activities for the retreat. The application will be posted soon! Check out the videos made by last year's participants at http://www.youtube.com/user/NJOpMilitaryKids

Support for Upcoming Event

If you have an upcoming event to support military youth and would like to request OMK support, please complete and return the Event Request Form to the OMK Project Coordinator.

 

Recent Events

NJ OMK Poster Contest - Results

Click here to see the results of the NJ Operation: Military Kids Poster Contest!

Volunteer Training - February 23

Adult and youth volunteers are always needed to help out at events throughout the year. At this training, participants learned how to support military youth through hands-on activities. Both military and non-military adults, teens, and youth enjoyed learning about how they can serve military youth. Click here to see photos from the event.

Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) Retreat - July 31-August 2

Speak Out Military Kids (SOMK) is a collection of both military and non-military youth who raise community awareness regarding the effects of deployment on military families. Each year, teens in grades 7-13 (one year out of high school) gather together to develop new presentations to share in their communities. Click here to learn more.

OMK Family Camp - August 17-19

Military families gathered together for a weekened of fun, outdoor adventure and family memories. Held at L.G. Cook 4-H Camp in Stokes State Forrest, over a dozen families enjoyed the great outdoors by participating in workshops ranging from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. Click here to learn more.

OMK Patriot Camp - August 20-25

Military youth in grades 4-8 created videos in groups to show others a little bit abouthow military kids like to have fun. They also participated in traditional camp activities including boating, hiking, and crafts. Click here to learn more.

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

This camp is open to youth in grades 6-13 (one year out of high school) who are interested in strengthening leadership skills, meeting new people, and camping with friends. Participants learn what it means to be a good leader through a variety of hands-on workshops. Click here to learn more.

 

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.

 

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

 

Links:

Operation: Military Kids National Website

Find us on Facebook!

Follow @NJOpMilitaryKid on Twitter!

NJ OMK YouTube Channel