Family

Registration Open – 2024 Family Camps

by at

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

Free Activity Books for Military Families – Order by 2/2

by at

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:

  • Edible Landscapes – “Beginning-level youth of any age can learn to grow edible plants, including fruit trees. Add edibles to the current landscape, swap existing plants for edible plants, create a new garden, or do all three! The activities guide you as you complete a site evaluation, plan which edible plants to use, plant and nurture them, and then enjoy the fruits and vegetables as they ripen.”
  • Explore the Outdoors – “This project opens your eyes to the great outdoors, so get your backpack and field guides ready. The first activity shows how to prepare for an outdoor adventure so you can explore the woodlands, fields, wetlands, and the geology of Ohio. Once you see nature with a new appreciation, you’ll want to learn more! Intended for youth of all ages interested in Ohio’s wildlife and ecosystems.”
  • Medicine Science and Safety – “Who should help you make decisions about medicine? How can you stay safe around it? These and other important questions are answered with five hands-on activities that get right to the point. Follow the core messages and become a good example for others. Learn about careers in pharmacy too!”
  • Rockets Away! – “These ten lessons, described in detail in the Rockets Away Teacher Guide, are a student’s gateway to the practical knowledge behind Newton’s Laws of Motion. Educational research shows that the practice of recording one’s own data and observations helps students internalize concepts.“

 

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 February 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

Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipe – Vegan and Dairy Free

by at

Ohio’s cold weather has been pretty brutal this week, but don’t let these chilly temperatures keep you from having a sweet, classic winter treat. Want to keep your family warm with some healthy hot chocolate? Check out this vegan and dairy free recipe from Ambitious Kitchen!

 

Ingredients (for two servings, increase accordingly):

  • 1 cup light coconut milk, from the can
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 
  • Pinch of sea salt

 

Instructions:

Step 1

Place all your ingredients into one small pot, warm it on a low-medium heat setting. Combine the ingredients by whisking them, mix until you’ve gotten rid of all the cocoa clumps. Be sure to not let the mixture broil, as to not burn the almond milk. Warm the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until steamy.

Step 2

Now that your hot chocolate is warm, you can grab two mugs and serve it! Add your choice of toppings (I prefer marshmallows in my hot chocolate). 

 

According to Ambitious Kitchen, this the nutritional value of this hot chocolate recipe:

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 166 cal

Carbohydrates: 18.7g

Protein: 1.8g

Fat: 10.2g

Saturated Fat: 7.1g

Fiber: 2.6g

Sugar: 13.6g

Adapted from: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/healthy-hot-chocolate/

Tips for Filling out the FAFSA

by at

The spring semester of a high school student’s senior year might seem like the most stressful time of their lives. Between scholarships and college acceptances, it might seem like high school seniors are drowning in a sea of deadlines. 

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an inevitable aspect of the senior year of high school. Ultimately, it might just compound with the already existing stress of high school seniors. However, it doesn’t have to be a big, scary beast to overcome. Actually, it might be easier than you think. Here are some tips for filling out the FAFSA.

 

You might be asking yourself “What is the FAFSA?” Simply put, it is the form used to apply for federal student aid for college. According to the Federal Student Aid website, to fill out the form, you will need the following:

 

  • Your social security number
  • Federal income tax returns, records of child support received; and your current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable), net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • An FSA ID (account username and password) to log in to StudentAid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically

 

This article is less of an explanation of the FAFSA, and more of tips to help you be successful when filling it out. For more background info on the FAFSA, visit our blog post from last year: https://u.osu.edu/ohiomilitarykids/2022/12/31/filling-out-the-fafsa/ (note that this is an old article, and the FAFSA has changed since it was published).

Let’s get on with those tips!

 

Apply Early!

The application for the 2024-25 FAFSA is now open! Applying early not only gets it off your checklist, but many states and colleges have limited funding. By applying early, you are eligible for more aid. 

 

Avoid making common mistakes

Between waiting too long to apply or incorrectly reporting income, there are easy mistakes that can be made while applying for FAFSA. Visit the Federal Student Aid’s website to familiarize yourself with common FAFSA mistakes: https://studentaid.gov/articles/10-fafsa-mistakes-to-avoid/ 

 

Use the online application

Although there is a paper option (https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/2024-25-fafsa.pdf), the online version of FAFSA is much more comprehensive and easy to use. By using the online application, you will only be asked relevant questions and it will catch common mistakes. Access the online application here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 

 

Use the “Help” options

Sometimes, things might be too complicated for you and your family to sort out on your own. Skip the stress, and use FAFSA’s “Help” tool. You can find this on the FAFSA website, as well as at this link: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help 

Good luck throughout the application process! For a more comprehensive help guide, visit the official “tip” page: https://studentaid.gov/articles/category/fafsa-tips/

8 Winter Activites for Ohio Families

by at

OHIO WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Thanksgiving Break has passed and kids are on the downhill slope before Winter Break. Are you wondering what kind of opportunities Ohio has to offer to make this winter special for you and your family? Look no further than this list of Ohio winter activities for your family!

 

Mad River Mountain; Zanesfield, OH

“Located in Central Ohio, Mad River Mtn is Ohio’s largest ski resort and the perfect place to learn to ski.”

“Explore our expansive terrain offering, enjoy The Loft Music Series & après, indulge in a Buckeye S’more (free on Sundays!), or visit our family-friend bubly Tubing Park. Your winter staycation starts here, at Mad River Mtn.”

Learn more: https://www.skimadriver.com/ 

 

Woodland Lights; Dayton, OH

“Woodland Lights offers a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along the half-mile paved path. The month-long festival has more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors each year.”

Learn More: https://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/woodland_lights/about_woodland_lights 

 

A Christmas Story House; Cleveland, OH

“A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours and overnight stays. Directly across the street from the House is A Christmas Story Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving the movie at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. You can even shop through our online gift shop here. Proceeds from the gift shop and overnight stays help support and maintain A Christmas Story House & Museum”

Learn More: https://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/ 

 

The Christmas Ranch; Morrow, OH

“Christmas is about making memories, and The Christmas Ranch is the perfect place to add that special touch to your holiday season. The lights, the music and the bonfires combine to create a place that is fun for every member of your family. But there is so much more to see and do! We have created a special place for Christmas celebrations in Morrow, Ohio. When you visit us, make sure you take some time to enjoy everything we have to offer! Visit our Christmas shops for gifts, decorations and mementos that you will treasure and pass down through your family! Watch your children’s eyes light up as they take in the lights, and tell Santa what they want for Christmas this year. Enjoy a treat made especially for you by Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Bakery and Cafe! There are so many ways to make this season bright!”

Learn More: https://www.thechristmasranch.com/ 

 

Winter Solstice Hike; Burr Oak State Park

“Join the naturalist for a 1.5-mile hike to enjoy evergreen plants on this shortest day of the year.  Enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies by the fire after the hike.  Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather.”

Learn More: https://ohiodnr.gov/home/news-and-events/all-events/parks-wc-events/SE-Ohio/WinterSolsticeHike-BurrOak-12-21-23 

 

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill; Clifton, OH

“For 36 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Our light display, featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, is one of the country’s finest with over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland which includes a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, a Toy Collection and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge.”

Learn More: https://cliftonmill.com/christmas-lights/ 

 

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights; Delaware, OH

This drive through light display in Delaware, OH allows you to stay in your car and enjoy the magic of Christmas time. During Military Appreciation Week (December 18th – 22nd), all active duty military members and spouses get in free.

Learn more: https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/ 

 

Castle Noel; Medina, OH

“Step into the fantasy world of Mark Klaus, creator of CASTLE NOEL. “America’s Largest Year Round Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction.” Experience 40,000 square feet of amazing installations, as seen on “Entertainment Tonight,” “PBS,” National, SyFy channels: “Profiles in History,” “The Today Show,” “Treasurer Hunters Road Show,” Fox8: “Kenny Crumpton,” WKYC, WOIO, WEWS and many more.”

Learn More: https://castlenoel.com/ 

For more ideas for activities during  the holiday season, visit https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/ohios-guide-to-winter-break-with-the-kids.

Fall Craft For Families – Turkey Windsocks

by at

Happy Fall, ya’ll! As the weather gets cooler, you might be wondering what kind of activities can keep your kids entertained indoors. Check out this fun and cost efficient craft for your family!

thanksgiving kids craft turkey windsocks

(Image from Happiness is Homemade)

What you’ll need:

  1. Recycled Aluminum Can
  2. Brown Paint
  3. Craft glue
  4. Orange Paint Pen
  5. Large Googly Eyes
  6. Ribbons-Fall Colors
  7. Feathers, Felt, and/or Construction Paper-Fall Colors
  8. Scissors
  9. Masking Tape (optional)

Directions:

  1. Start by painting the Aluminum Can with the brown paint. 
  2. After the brown paint is dry, use your orange painter’s pen to draw an upside-down triangle as the turkey’s “beak.”
  3. Then, attach the googly eyes using your craft glue.
  4. Using your choice of feathers or construction paper, create the turkey’s “tail” by gluing the feathers/construction paper to the top of the back of the can on the inside rim. The can will have sharp edges, you can apply the masking tape there to protect your fingers.
  5. Cut 10-15 pieces of ribbon at about 18” in length.
  6. Apply a thick layer of craft glue to the inside rim at the bottom of the can, and then place your ribbon streamers. Allow the glue to dry.
  7. Cut out a red waddle (in either felt or construction paper). Use your craft glue to attach it beside the beak.
  8. Attach ribbon to the inside rim of the top sides of the can using craft glue to create a handle.

Adapted from: Happiness is Homemade. For more fun, Fall crafts, check out their website:

https://www.happinessishomemade.net/thanksgiving-kids-craft-turkey-windsocks/ 

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!

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.