Author: Jayden Toomer

Embracing Pride: Support and Resources for LGBTQ+ Military Youth and Families

by at

June is a month of celebration, pride, and inclusivity as we honor Pride Month. At OMK we stand with and support our LGBTQ+ military youth and families. In this post we will highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military and provide resources available for LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio.

Pride in the Military:

LGBTQ+ people have existed throughout history, including Ancient Greece and two-spirit people in Native American cultures. LGBTQ+ people are present in all parts of society – they are people we know and love, and even people who serve in our military.

In the United States less than 1% of citizens volunteer to serve in the armed forces, and 6.1% of military personal identify as LGBTQ+ according to research conducted in 2015 by Meadows, et. al.

LGBTQ+ individuals have been part of the military since its formation, with Lieutenant Colonel John Lauren being one of the earliest recorded in the Revolutionary War. Since then, many more LGBTQ+ individuals have served our country.

Despite their bravery, the stories of these individuals are often unknown or overshadowed due to the military’s history of anti-LGBTQ+ policies (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Transgender Military Ban) which led to the less-than-honorable discharges of an estimated more than 100,000 service members due to sexual orientation or gender identity (The Williams Institute, 2010).

Recent years have brought policy advancements for our LGBTQ+ service members; but there is more to be done to achieve military inclusivity.

Resources for LGBTQ+ Military Youth & Families in Ohio:

  • Community Centers:
    • The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, Equitas Health, and Stonewall Columbus provide a wide range of support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including youth. These centers often offer counseling services, support groups, educational programs, and social events to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to connect, learn, and thrive.
    • Equitas Health along with PAPI work to offer PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which prevents HIV, and STD testing free of cost to all Ohio residents with or without insurance.
  • Counseling Services and Safe Spaces:
    • Organizations like the Trevor Project provide mental health support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ youth. They offer online chat and phone hotlines to provide immediate support and guidance.
    • Many insurance websites can assist in your search for counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals. OSU’s provider search can be found here.

Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals in the Military:

  • Modern Military Association of America offers legal services, advocacy, and community support to address issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the military.
  • Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Offices throughout Ohio are responsible for ensuring equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion within the military. They provide support, guidance, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals who may face discrimination or harassment.

Social Opportunities and Connection:

  • Black, Out, & Proud serves as a resource for Black LGBTQ+ people.
  • Rainbow Sisters meets the first Wednesday of every month for social events and outreach programs for lesbian women over the age of 40.
  • The Kaleidoscope Youth Center in downtown Columbus offers social events, a discord server, drop-in hours, movie nights, D&D groups, and more for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • The Prim Youth Initiative in Dayton plans and hosts events for LGBTQ+ youth. They also offer support groups and a library.
  • PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) has chapters across Ohio that offer support and social groups for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

References:

Meadows, S. O., Engel, C. C., Collins, R. L., Beckman, R. L., Cefalu, M., Hawes-Dawson, J., Waymouth, M., Kress, A. M., Sontag-Padilla, L., Ramchand, R., & Williams, K. M. (2015). Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation, Transgender Identity, and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members. RAND Corporation, RB-9955/6-OSD, 2018. As of May 26, 2023: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9955z6.html

The Williams Institute (2010). Discharges under the Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell policy. Retrieved from: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Discharges-DADT-Women-Race-Sep-2010.pdf

Military Youth Magazine – Submission Guidelines and Overview

by at

OMK is proud to announce our plans to publish a magazine written entirely by military-connected youth of Ohio and edited by members of our Ohio Military Teen Council.

Submissions will open on Friday, June 16th at 12:00am and will close on Wednesday, July 5th at 11:59pm.

Qualtrics submission link.

We encourage our military youth to brainstorm ideas for submissions and potential names for the magazine.

🟢 Themes & Content:

Written submissions:

  • In Relation to Military Life
    • Personal stories
    • Experiences
    • Reflections
    • Insights
    • Challenges
    • Resilience
    • Personal Growth
    • Overcoming Obstacles
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health
    • Self Help
  • Advice & Resources
  • The Impact of Camp

Illustrations, photos, comics, and other artwork:

  • Reflect the life or experiences of military-connected youth & families.
  • Demonstrate resilience
  • Show healthy habits
  • Bring joy

🔵 Submission Guidelines:

General Guidelines:

  • Age Eligibility: Submissions are open to military-connected youth and young adults.
  • Original Work: All submissions must be original.
  • Proofreading: Double-check your work for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors before submitting.
  • Multiple Submissions: You may submit multiple pieces across different categories (articles, photography, illustrations, and poetry). Please complete the submission survey once for each piece.
  • Submission Format: Submit all entries electronically in the appropriate file format (Word document, JPEG/PNG for images, and PNG/vector for illustrations).

📝 Articles, Personal Essays, Reflections, and Short Stories:

  • Length: Approximately 200 – 2,500 words.
  • Formatting: Break up text with headings as needed.
  • Accompanying Photos: Original photos may be submitted to accompany your writing. Follow Photos guidelines below.
  • Submission: Upload as a Microsoft Word document.

🎤 Poetry:

  • Length: Poem length can vary, but we recommend between 10 and 30 lines.
  • Submission: Upload as a Microsoft Word document.

🎨 Illustrations/Artwork:

  • Consent: If the artwork(s) contain recognizable individuals, make sure you obtain written consent for that photo to be published and shared publicly.
  • Submission: Submit digital files as PNG or in vector formats (.AI, .SVG).

🖌️ Comics / Graphic Novels:

  • Submission: Submit digital files as .JPEG, .PNG, or .PDF.

📸 Photos:

  • Consent: If the photo(s) contain recognizable individuals, make sure you obtain written consent for that photo to be published and shared publicly.
  • Submission: Submit photos as .JPEG or .PNG files.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and showcasing the talent, stories, and perspectives of military youth!

Marching Towards Success: National and Local Resources for Military Families

by at

Ohio Military Kids believes in helping our military youth to grow & succeed by providing them with any available resources. We know that military life can be challenging, and that is why we are committed to supporting the families and youth of those who have served our country. In this post, we’ll highlight three programs that are working to support military families: The National Military Family Association, Purdue University’s Military Teen Adventure Camps, and the six Troop and Family Assistance Centers throughout the state.

 

Continue reading Marching Towards Success: National and Local Resources for Military Families →

Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls

by at

You’ll Need:

3/4 cup walnuts

1/2 cup pitted dates

1/4 cup dried blueberries

3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

2 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Process walnuts, dates, and blueberries in a food processor until chopped and combined – about 7 to 10 seconds.
  2. Add oats, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
  3. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and thick. 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. Transfer the paste to a bowl, add lemon zest, and mix.
  5. Using your hands, form the mixture into 18 small balls.
  6. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Adapted from: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7964794/blueberry-lemon-energy-balls/

Scrabble Tile Zipper Pull

by at

You’ll Need:

  • Scrabble tiles
  • Popsicle stick
  • Binder clips
  • Glue-On Bail
  • Lanyard Clip
  • Heavy Duty GlueBackpack with attached scrabble tile zip pull

Directions

  1. Measure and trim a popsicle stick so all the tiles will fit.
  2. Add glue to one side of the stick and arrange tiles straight & evenly. Leave enough room at the top for the bail. Clamp binder clips to the tiles and let set for 2 hours.
  3. Apply the bail to the back using glue. Secure with a binder clip and let set for two hours.
  4. Attach the lanyard clip to the bail and clip it on your backpack!

No bail? Try using the silver piece from an extra small binder clip instead!

Adapted from: https://www.momtastic.com/family/diy-for-kids/448307-scrabble-tile-zipper-pull/

OMK’s Declassified Back to School Survival Guide

by at

Ohio Suicide Prevention Campaign – Be Present

A resource for parents, teens, and young adults who want to learn more about supporting their peers. Be Present hosts a wealth of information for parents and students about establishing healthy routines, taking care of yourself, and having difficult conversations with people you care about. Youth who are struggling can also find support on this site, or by texting ‘4HOPE’ to 741-741

https://bepresentohio.org/

Developing a Growth Mindset – Learning Heroes

Developing and practicing a Growth Mindset sets us up to succeed! Try out this interactive website – bealearninghero.org/growth-mindset/ – to learn more about developing and using a growth mindset.

Healthy Living – Start Talking!

Across Ohio organizations are working to prevent drug use among some of our most vulnerable citizens – our youth. Start Talking! provides tools to start the conversation with our youth about the importance of living healthy, drug free lives. https://starttalking.ohio.gov/

Developing Financial Literacy – Money as You Grow

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a great set of tips and resources to help children develop important money management skills. The resources on this site are divided by age ranges from young children to teens & young adults. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/money-as-you-grow/

Transition – From Elementary to Middle School

Is your young one preparing to take the huge step from elementary to middle school? Consider these tips from OSU:

 

Games and Apps – Educaplay and Photomath

This year, check out interactive games on Educaplay for content on subjects from Math, to English, to the Rivers of Europe. Educaplay.com

Could you or your student use assistance with math homework? Photomath was created by a father to help their children with math homework. Caregivers can review the step-by-step directions provided by the app with their children to solve almost any math problem! https://photomath.com/en/parents

Meet the Team: Theresa Ferrari

by at

This month, dive in and get to know Theresa! Theresa has worked with OMK for 17 years and is a huge advocate for healthy living. Meet the master of the smoothie  bike – Theresa Ferrari.

 

What is your role with OMK?

I’m the overall project director for OMK.

 

How long have you been involved with OMK?

I have been involved with OMK since the start – our first camp was in 2005.

 

What does a day of work look like for you?

There are no two days that are exactly the same for me, which keeps life interesting. These days, I might be working at home or in person, on campus or out and about. I’m a faculty member at OSU, so I’m involved with more than OMK. I spend my time meeting with people – it could be graduate students working on their research or committees of co-workers working on a project. I also spend time on my own, reading, writing, or preparing for presentations. Some days it’s big picture stuff, other days lots of nitty-gritty details.

 

Do you have a military connection?

My dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII and later in the Army Reserve. But that was before I was born. I’m old, but not that old.

 

What is one of your favorite camp memories?

After so many years, it’s hard to pick just one favorite camp memory. Overall, my favorite part is seeing campers having fun and coming back year after year. And then seeing campers come back as camp counselors. I remember one time when campers had just arrived on the island, and everyone was waiting around on the dock to get to camp. Without being told to do so, a first-year counselor stepped up and engaged the group in singing camp songs. Those are happy moments for a camp director.

 

How do you hope to make the program even better?

I think the best thing I could do at this point in my career is to ensure that OMK is sustainable when I’m not around.

2023 Camp Dates

by at

OMK is excited to announce that our 2023 camp dates are now available! We can’t wait to provide another unforgettable summer camp experience for military-connected youth & families.
Please note that registration for these camps is expected to go live in July. Keep an eye on go.osu.edu/OMKEvents for more information and to register when it becomes available.
Our camps are a great opportunity for military kids to make new friends, build resiliency skills, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. We hope to see you there!

Spring Activity Books – Order by 3/3

by at

Spring is almost here, and what better way to celebrate than with some free project books for your family! Ohio Military Kids is excited to announce that you can now order six more project books for free!

We believe that learning and having fun shouldn’t have to stop, no matter the season or circumstances. That’s why we’re offering these project books to help you and your family stay engaged and entertained.

Here’s what’s on offer:

  • My Favorite Things: Explore the art of collecting and displaying your prized possessions.
  • Family History Treasure Hunt: Discover your family history with this six-year-long treasure hunt.
  • Sports Nutrition: Ready, Set, Go: Learn how to balance nutrition and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • First Aid in Action: Develop important life skills by learning about first aid and creating your own family first aid kit.
  • Becoming Money Wise: Monitor your cash flow and develop good money habits to become a responsible consumer.
  • Rockets Away (2-Liter Bottle Rockets): Launch into the world of rocketry with hands-on experiments and build your own 2-liter bottle water rocket.

These books are available for free, but be sure to place your order by March 3rd, 2023, through this link: http://go.osu.edu/omk4hbookorder. We expect the books to be shipped by March 31st, 2023.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down! Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome it than with some exciting new projects for your family. Order now and get ready to have some fun!

Winter Activity Books – Order by 2/10

by at

Ohio winters can be chilly, but they don’t have to be boring!

Between now and June OMK will be offering four opportunities to order activity books for your family, and they are completely free.

To kick us off, we are offering 7 books that will give your family activities to complete while staying indoors.

This month’s texts are:

  • Exploring Polar Science
  • Get Started in Art
  • Grow Your Own Vegetables
  • Let’s Bake Quick Breads
  • Not Just Knots
  • Shopping Savvy
  • Your Feelings Matter

 

You can order activity books for your family by using this link: http://go.osu.edu/omk4hbookorder

Orders should be placed by 2/10 and are expected to ship by 3/10.