OMK

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).

 

Valentine’s Day Craft for Families

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Are you looking for ways to spread love this Valentine’s Day? Well the big day is less than a week away! Here is a craft for you and your family to have some fun this year.

Supplies:

Paint (Red and Green)

Paintbrush

Paper

Scissors

Markers/Pens

Clear Dry Glue

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Use the paintbrush to paint on the red paint onto your kiddos’ hands.

Step 2: Press a few handprints onto the paper

Step 3: Wait to dry, and cut out the individual handprints and place in a bouquet style on another piece of paper.

Step 4: Use the green paint to draw and connect stems to the “hand flowers.”

 

For more family-oriented crafts, visit: https://dailydoseofdiy.com/26-fabulous-valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/

Adapted from: https://www.nannyshecando.com/valentines-day-easy-kids-craft/

Fall Craft For Families – Turkey Windsocks

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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/ 

5 Mental Health Resources for Military Families – Suicide Prevention Month

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Content Warning: Mention of mental health and suicide

 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and more specifically National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10, 2023-September 16, 2023. This month is dedicated to raising suicide awareness and bringing together those who have been impacted by suicide.

According to the US Department of Defense, the suicide rate among active duty military troops in 2021 was 24.3 per 100,000. The DOD reports that there has been an increasing trend in suicide among active duty troops since 2011, with the exception of a decrease between 2020 and 2021. Even more, the DOD reports that in 2020, 202 military dependents died by suicide.

The DOD recognizes that suicide is a tragedy that changes families forever, which is why the DOD is taking diligent efforts to commit to suicide prevention in the military. In 2022, the DOD hired 2,000 prevention personnel, stationed across the world. 

Beyond DOD efforts, the resources for military troops and their families are abundant and accessible. In times of mental health crises, get help right away. The following are mental health/suicide prevention resources and support for individuals in times of need.

 

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

“TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.”

https://www.taps.org/mission 

 

DOD’s Military OneSource

“Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.”

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ 

 

Red Cross’ Military and Veterans Caregiver Network

“The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.”

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html 

 

Veteran Suicide Prevention

“If you’re a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you’re thinking about hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—get help right away. You’re not alone.”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j0Ktj2D-BF8pfMYODJmJ01y_ZiEWuUBNLZQc0ukFaPA/edit 

 

Military and Suicide Prevention-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

“AFSP is committed to protecting those who protect us and believes that Veteran and military suicide prevention must continue to be a national priority.”

https://afsp.org/military-and-veteran-suicide-prevention/ 

 

References:

“Active Duty Suicide Rate Drops; Austin Says More Work Needed.” U.S. Department of Defense, www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3195429/active-duty-suicide-rate-drops-austin-says-more-work-needed/#:~:text=Fewer%20service%20members%20died%20by,said%20at%20a%20media%20briefing. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023. 

“Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention Resources.” Action Alliance, theactionalliance.org/veteran-and-military-suicide-prevention-resources. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.

Military Youth Magazine – Submission Guidelines and Overview

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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!