Operation Military Kids is a nationwide
initiative designed to provide support to the children and youth of families
that are impacted by the Global War on Terrorism. This includes both those
children and youth served by active military installations and those who
are geographically dispersed through their parent’s service in the National
Guard or Reserves.
“Speak Out for Military Kids” is a special
project between the US military and 4-H programs throughout the nation. One of
the issues facing military youth and families is the lack of community
awareness of the unique challenges faced by military kids. This lack of
understanding by the general public can make military youth feel isolated and
misunderstood. These issues are particularly important for youth from National
Guard and Reserve families who may not have access to traditional military
support systems.
“Speak Out for Military Kids” is a project
that is available for youth from military and non-military families. The goal
is to get as many youth as possible to develop media messages to support
military youth. 4-H is one of the leading organizations that emphasize
public speaking by youth. Youth may be involved in public speaking, webpage
design, e-radio, writing articles for newspapers, or other forms of outreach.
This project offers special incentives for 4-H members who participate.
In the fall of 2006, South Carolina held its
first SOMK Retreat at Cooper Leadership Center in Summerton, SC.
