2024

Registration Open – 2024 Family Camps

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We’re happy to announce that the registration for our Family Camps is now open! A 3-day, 2 night weekend event for military-connected families. Each family will have their own cabin and will be able to participate in scheduled activities and events together through the weekend. Here are the upcoming dates:

Central Ohio Fall Family Camp #1 August 23 to August 25

Location: 4-H Camp Ohio

Age: Any age

Cost (per person):

  • Ohio Army National Guard: $60
  • Any other branch/component: $100
  • 0 to 5 year olds are FREE

 

Northern Ohio Fall Family Camp September 13 to September 15

Location: Kelleys Island

Age: Any age

Cost (per person):

  • Ohio Army National Guard: $60
  • Any other branch/component: $100
  • 0 to 5 year olds are FREE

 

Central Ohio Fall Family Camp #2 September 27 to September 29

Location: 4-H Camp Ohio

Age: Any age

Cost (per person):

  • Ohio Army National Guard: $60
  • Any other branch/component: $100
  • 0 to 5 year olds are FREE

 

The deadline to register for the 2024 Family Camps is 11:59 pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024. You can find more information and registration at go.osu.edu/OMKEvents

Summer Events for Ohio Military Families

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We are so excited for our upcoming OMK Camps and Events throughout the summer. However, there are plently of other events happening throughout the summer for military families! We want families to make the most of summer 2024, so here are some events to put on your calendar for the upcoming months.

 

Pawsome Paintings June 9th, 2024 11:00 AM

From USO:

“You and your cherished canine companion are warmly invited to a unique and entertaining Dog Painting Event! Let your furry friend’s artistic talents shine as they create their own masterpiece on canvas. We’ll supply all the necessary materials, including a variety of paint colors you can pick from and everyone’s favorite treat – peanut butter.

This event promises to be a delightful opportunity for you and your furry family member to bond in a fun and creative way. Simply bring your dog along and watch as they unleash their inner artist!

Location: DSCC Mission Park at 401 N Yearling Rd. Whitehall, OH 43213

Eligibility: Dogs of active military members families, including Reserve and National Guard members. RSVP”

 

Deployed Families Dinner June 20th, 2024; 5:00 PM

From USO:

“Come to the USO Center on Wright-Patterson AFB for dinner and camaraderie while your loved one is deployed. Enjoy a catered meal, a visit from a therapy dog, and the support of your military community. Crafts or games for children. Joy for you! For currently serving military families – Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve. RSVP”

 

Military Appreication Night – Toledo Mud Hens June 27th; 7:05 PM

“The Mud Hens will once again honor the men and women who have served or are currently serving in each branch of the U.S. Armed Services. Join us for Military Appreciation Night on Thursday, June 27 as we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have proudly served our country. More info”

 

Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Military Days July 1-5

From USO:

“We are would like to share some information regarding the highly anticipated Military Days with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. The discount to Zoombezi Bay is available to anyone. There are going to be coupons on cases of Pepsi that will be available at Kroger.

Mark your calendars for Columbus Zoo Military Family Days, set to occur from July 1-5. During this period, individuals presenting a valid military ID will be granted free admission, with the option to purchase additional tickets at a 50% discount. Tickets will be available for purchase at the parks ticket windows.

We appreciate your understanding with these changes. For any inquiries or further assistance, please feel free to contact ohiostaff@uso.org.”

 

Warrior Resiliency Celebration – Family Picnic July 20th 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM

“Have you served in the military or have a family member that has served? If so, we want to invite you to the Warrior Resiliency Celebration! Veterans, service members, and their families are invited to join the Warrior Resiliency Team at Greene County Veterans Services’ and Greene County Parks & Trails for the 2nd annual WRT Celebration! We’ll have loads of fun with Backyard Olympics, music, and a picnic with hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, beverages, and more! Don’t miss it! Attendees will also receive information on resources available to Veterans. Registration is requested for planning purposes. This picnic is FREE to attend but registration is requested for planning purposes. RSVP”

 

NEOPAT Military Family Engagement Day July 28th; 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

“Embark on a day of family fun and appreciation at the NEOPAT Military Family Engagement Day, set amidst the captivating backdrop of the Cleveland Zoo. It’s a time to celebrate the resilience and strength of our military families, who stand steadfastly behind our brave veterans. From interactive exhibits to engaging activities, every moment is designed to foster bonds and create lasting memories. This event is free to veterans and active military families. Click HERE to sign up.”

Ohio Military Kids – Camp Kelleys Island Registration Open NOW

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A 5-day and 4-night adventure on Kelleys Island. Activities include sailing, swimming, rafting, kayaking, volleyball, soccer, archery, lined dances, crafts, campfire, and more! We are so excited to annouce that our annual Teen and Youth Camps at Kelleys Island are now open for registration. Details are below:

 

Kelleys Island Teen Camp

Dates: Sunday, July 28 to Thursday, August 1

Location: Kelleys Island

Age: 12 – 15 years of age by the time of camp

Cost:

Ohio Army National Guard: $250
Department of Air Force (any component): $250
Any other branch/component: $500

Register: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Mrfk6ys6iJ7sto

Deadline: 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024

 

Kelleys Island Youth Camp

Dates: Sunday, August 4 to Thursday, August 8

Location: Kelleys Island

Age: 9 – 11 years of age by the time of camp

Cost:

Ohio Army National Guard: $250
Department of Air Force (any component): $250
Any other branch/component: $500

Register: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9sfBJh9JFifwLY 

Deadline: 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024

 

Any military family is eligible regardless of rank. Veteran’s children and families are eligible 12 months past date of separation. Any branch and component is welcome. Gold Star Families are eligible.

 

OMK Spotlights – Samantha Hunt

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Samantha is an OMK camp counselor and a member of the Ohio Military Teen Council.

When asked about Ohio Military Kids’ impact, Samantha says:
“Ohio Military Kids has changed my life for the better. When I was younger, I started as a
camper and transitioned into being a counselor. This camp has given me a lifelong best friend,
memories to last a lifetime, and skills I use on a day to day basis. Without this program, I would
not be who I am today. I love coming back each year and working with the kids to be able to see
their smiles and how much they love it. OMK is an organization I am proud to be a part of.”

Thank you Samantha for participating in our OMK Spotlight!

OMK Spotlights – Elizabeth Holland

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Elizabeth is a military daughter and has been going to OMK camp for several years. Elizabeth was an OMK camp counselor last year.

When asked about Ohio Military Kids’ impact, Elizabeth says:
“OMK has impacted me greatly. Just the people, the kids, and the counselors make me feel like I can be me and not be insecure about anything. I feel wanted and loved. Honestly, OMK has made me feel better.”

Thank you Elizabeth for participating in our OMK Spotlight! If you would like to participate, please fill out this form: go.osu.edu/OMKspotlight

Ohio Military Kids – Teen Leadership Camp Registration Open NOW

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OMK Teen Leadership Camp provides an opportunity for teens to participate in leadership workshops in a camp setting where they will develop confidence, resilience, friendships, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime. We are happy to say the registration is now open! Here are the details:

Dates: Wednesday, June 5 to Sunday, June 9

Location: Central Ohio

Age: 13-17 years of age by the time of camp

Cost:

  • Ohio Army National Guard: $150
  • Deparment of Air Force (any component): $150
  • Any other branch/component: $250

*For questions about cost, please see the FAQ document above.

Register: Register Here

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024

OMK Spotlights – Ava Worcester

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Ava has been a member of the Ohio Military Teen Council for the last 4 years and has served as a camp counselor for the last 2 years (soon to be 3).

When asked about Ohio Military Kids’ impact, Ava says:
“Going to OMK camps as a child, I was immersed into a community of people who were just like me! It was fantastic because, despite being so close to the base my father serves at, I didn’t know a single other military kid. I fell in love with the different programs OMK has to offer and how they made me feel seen and supported. That simple fact made the decision to give back to the community a brainless decision.”

Thank you Ava for participating in our OMK Spotlight! If you would like to participate, please fill out this form: go.osu.edu/OMKspotlight

OMK Spotlights – Hailee Sprague

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We’re kicking off Month of the Military Child with our OMK Spotlights! Our first spotlight is Hailee Sprague.

Hailee has been a camper at Camp Kelley’s Island for about 8 years and is a 3rd year counselor. Hailee is apart of the Ohio Military Teen Council and helps plan camps/events and do community service. Additionally, Hailee has been going to the Teen Leadership Camp for a few years now and hopes to be a counselor there this year!

When asked about Ohio Military Kids’ impact, Hailee says:

“Throughout my almost 10 years with this program, I have learned about leadership, friendship, and probably every positive thing I could ever need to know. Ohio Military Kids has given me the opportunity to not only gain a positive experience, but now I am able to share my positive experiences with the youth. Being a counselor has been one of the greatest opportunities I have ever had and has even influenced me to help coach soccer and softball. I love working with the kids and making their weeks the best that they have ever had, just like my counselor did for me when I was younger. This may sound a little extreme, but Ohio Military Kids has (in a way) changed and saved my life. I’ve made lifelong friendships and gained skills I would’ve never been able to anywhere else. I love the Ohio Military Kids program and I do not plan on leaving it anytime soon.”

Thank you Hailee for participating in our OMK Spotlight! If you would like to participate, please fill out this form: go.osu.edu/OMKspotlight

Ohio Military Kids Spotlights

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April is the Month of the Military Kids, and OMK wants shine a spotlight on our outstanding military kids! If you are involved with Ohio Military Kids, please fill out this survey: go.osu.edu/OMKspotlight

We will be taking submissions throughout April. If you have any questions about the survey or spotlights, please contact Elizabeth Fannin (fannin.125@osu.edu).

 

Free Activity Books for Military Families – Order by 4/1

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We are excited to announce that once again, Ohio Military Kids is offering free projects books for you and your family! Continue reading to learn more about how you can get your hands on a free project activity book.

 

Our partners at Ohio 4-H are proud to present a collection of project books to military families – at no cost to you! Ohio Military Kids is an organization that benefits from the youth development education offered from Ohio 4-H and the organization resources contributed from Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support. Together, we hope that your families may benefit from the education opportunities found in the collection of project book titles listed in this survey.

Here are the books we are offering:

 

Ohio Birds – “Observe and identify birds with bird feeders in your yard and on field trips to see the many benefits our feathered friends provide. This project book is intended to be used for two years.”

Geology: Can You Dig It? – “Discover our planet’s past with clues in rocks, minerals, and fossils that you collect. Learn where to find these items, how to identify them, and how they formed. Showcase all your findings in a display of your design.”

Let’s Start Cooking – “This project takes a fresh look at basic cooking and baking skills. You’ll learn about kitchen equipment and food prep, and how to read recipes and measure ingredients. Then you’ll tackle how to slice and dice food, and how to cook in a microwave oven, on the stove and in a conventional oven all while keeping safety in mind. Appropriate for members of all ages with little or no cooking or baking experience.”

Everyday Food and Fitness – “Learn how to prepare healthy and hearty snacks using MyPlate as a guide, and discover how powerful healthy food can be for your body and mind. Fun and easy recipes help build your skills in the kitchen. See how well your current diet fits into the MyPlate food groups. Find out what makes grains great, and why vitamins and nutrients are so beneficial. This project shows you how to add exercise to a healthy diet and find the path to a better quality of life.”

Sports Nutrition – “Eating well and exercising daily are two keys to a healthy life. This project shows why these habits are worth forming. Learn how to balance the calories you eat with the calories you burn, why to hydrate, and how carbs, protein, and fats work to support your body and mind. Use what you learn as you compete in sports or just want to increase your fitness level.”

 

Please note that we have a very limited supply of each book. You may only select one of each book per order. If a book has “sold out” it will not be displayed as an option.

Requests must be placed by April 2 at 11:59 PM. Orders will then be processed and sent to families approximately 3-5 weeks after the order deadline.

For additional information about this program or enrollment in Ohio 4-H, please contact State 4-H Healthy Living and Ohio Military Kids Student Assistant, Matthew Swearingen (swearingen.96s@osu.edu)

go.osu.edu/omk4hbookorder