OMK

4 Major Back to School Tips!

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Summer is winding down, the air is getting cooler, and that can only mean one thing. School is back in session! Whether you have kids or are currently  in elementary, middle, or high school (and even college), this can be a hectic time of year. Here are some tips and tricks to make this school year flow by with ease!

 

Make a solid daily routine

Sure, this is an obvious trick, however, it can sometimes be hard to achieve. According to KD College Prep there are a few ways to actually make your daily schedule successful.

  • Don’t overload your schedule. While extracurriculars are beneficial, being able to have a school-life balance is integral to a successful year. It’s hard to be your best in school and all your extracurriculars if you don’t have a way to evenly delegate all your time. Be realistic and plan ahead!
  • Set time aside for work in the evenings. Whether it’s homework, college applications, or standardized test prep, these are things that may not be already built into your daily schedule. Make time for these in order to achieve a successful year in all aspects.

 

Make a to-do list or utilize a planner

It’s personal preference when it comes to how you like to organize your life on paper, but writing down your tasks and visualizing your day can be a great way to stay on track. Planners are an awesome way to map out your schedule on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Planners can be as basic or as fancy as you like, but they all serve the same person.

If you’re not a physical planner person, there are many ways to take advantage of free online calendars. If you have a Google account, you have free access to Google Calendar. The same can be said for most email-services.

 

Make time for rest

It can be easy to fall into a “go-go-go” mindset at the beginning of the school year. When you’re focused on constantly completing tasks and attending to obligations, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. As a result, you might start to feel burnt out, which can be just as harmful as not putting in any work at all.

Be intentional about making time for rest and relaxation. This doesn’t mean scrolling through social media each night, but rather practicing mindfulness activities or spending meaningful time with your family and friends. Doing something you love or enjoy can make it easier to complete difficult tasks!

 

Have a safe, comfortable study space

Finding a place to study/work on homework may not be something that you consider when going into the school year. Many students default to their desk or kitchen table. However, it’s important to analyze how you are functioning in the spaces. Are they distracting? Are you comfortable? At the very least, would you benefit from a change in scenery?

Going to spaces like the library or public park might result in you being more productive. Seeing other completing tasks may compel you to stay on top of work. Additionally, these shared spaces can make it easy for you to come together with friends to collectively check items off your to-do lists. Do you work better alone? These spaces can often offer private spaces to those who work better alone. Check out your public library to see what specific spaces they offer!

 

Ohio Military Kids hopes you and your family has a successful school year! Be on the lookout for upcoming events on our Facebook page and website.

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.