South Carolina Operation Military Kids (OMK) is part of the National OMK
initiative designated to provide support to the children and youth of
families that are impacted by global contingency operations. This includes
those served by Army installations, Air Force, Navy and Marine bases,
and those families, children and youth who are geographically dispersed.
Building upon their past collaboration to support
youth development programs, 4-H and its military partners are now
placing special emphasis on the children and youth of National Guard and
Reserve Solders.
Many National Guard and Reserves children do not view
themselves as 'military' until their parent's deployment. Their
parent has a civilian job and is a citizen soldier with a commitment to
the military and our country. The situation created
by a deployment places unique stress on the youth and their families.
Working together we
can all have a strong impact on military families in our own backyard.
The South Carolina
Recreation and Parks Association
(SCRPA)
and Operation Military Kids are partnering to bring recreation
opportunities to military children and families throughout South
Carolina.
There are approximately 30,000 military children in South
Carolina, including National Guard, Reserve and active duty military
families.
For more
information, see
www.scrpa.org for more information about recreation opportunities
in South Carolina.
South Carolina OMK Goals are:
- Build Community Capacity and Create Local
Support Networks.
- Raise Community Awareness about the Impact of
Deployment on Military Kids.
- Implement Educational Programs through Local
Support Networks.
