ARKANSAS — April is the month of the military child in Arkansas. This distinction recognizes the more than 18,000 youth in Arkansas coping with stresses they experience while their parents serve in the military.
“We’re delighted that Gov. Beebe proclaimed April the month of the military child because it shows the state realizes the value of caring for and celebrating the children of our state’s service members,” said Maureen Rose, 4-H program associate with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Rose is director of Operation Military Kids in Arkansas. OMK is a national partnership between 4-H youth development and the U.S. Department of Defense to provide support for children of military personnel. Core OMK programs include Hero Packs, Mobile Technology Lab, Speak Out for Military Kids, OMK Parade and numerous summer camps.
The OMK summer camp session kicks off the end of April with Metro Camp at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, AR. Military youth ages 9-12 years are eligible to attend this camp from April 30 to May 2 for free, whether their parent or parents are in pre-deployment,deployed or post-deployment. Campers will be involved in adventure and recreational activities, including working with GPS and learning about the lock and dam system. They’ll also enjoy fun activities like canoeing and campfires.
For OMK Metro Camp registration, or to learn more about OMK, visit www.uaex.edu or contact Rose at 501-671-2066 or [email protected].
OMK is a military partnership program of Arkansas 4-H, the youth development of the Cooperative Extension Service, which is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Sports, Pages 13 on 04/21/2010