Special Edition Newsletter | |
WE CELEBRATE OUR MILITARY CHILDREN AND YOUTH! | |
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April is the Month of the Military Child (MOMC). It is a time to acknowledge and show appreciation to the youngest military members, our children and youth. Military children serve our country by the sacrifices they experience from their parent's service including frequent moves; leaving friends, family, and teachers behind; enduring deployments and extended separations; and learning to accept changes in their parents following deployments. This could include severe injuries and post-traumatic stress, as well as the possibility of losing a parent from war. Military children consistently develop coping skills and strategies to deal with difficult change, and with support and care, they become more resilient, flexible and courageous.
We invite you to join us to take a moment and reflect on the many sacrifices military children make every year. The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, National Guard, Reserve and Veteran families.
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History of Month of the Military Child
This special celebration for military children was established in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. Weinberger was a WWII Veteran and father of two who realized the unique sacrifices and challenges military children faced as a result of their parent or parents’ military service. This month was created to bring awareness to the needs of military children in all areas.
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Ways to Celebrate Month of the Military Child
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PURPLE UP DAY VIRGINIA IS APRIL 19
Join VDVS and VDOE in wearing purple on April 19 to show your appreciation for the military children who live in Virginia. Purple represents the combination of all of the Armed Forces colors: Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard (blue), Army (green), and Marine Corps (red).
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FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN | |
- Create a fun project with a military child showing all of the places they have lived. Moving frequently can be hard for some kids, highlighting all of the fun experiences they have had in each new place can help reframe the moves as new adventures.
- Have a special day to celebrate MOMC in your household. You can create your own special ways to honor your military child in your home. A dinner or a special meal, a small party or even a game night where you give your child undivided attention and allow them to choose activities are great ways to honor them.
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- Acknowledge all of the contributions they make to the family unit. Showing appreciation for the special and important role they play can help boost confidence.
- Connect with other military families to help your child create their own community of other children who understand their experiences.
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Community Belonging and Upcoming Events | |
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Programs and resources tailored for military children
Please click on each logo to be taken directly to their individual webpage.
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Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) | |
Virginia Department of Education | |
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Sesame Street for Military
Families
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National Military Family Association
Operation Purple Programs
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Military Child Education Coalition | |
Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Helpers Program | |
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Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Youth Programs
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The Rosie Network
Kidpreneur Program
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VIRGINIA'S MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
From festivals and carnivals to special performances, giveaways and other gifts, military bases worldwide use the month of April to create fun and engaging activities for military families that everyone, especially children, will enjoy.
Check out the many events taking place this year!
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FORT LEE
https://lee.armymwr.com/calendar
Autism Color Run, One Mile & 5K
Sisisky CDC Parking Lot, Bldg. 10624
April 1, 2023
9am - 1pm
*Registration still open!
Tricycle Rodeo and Kites for Kids
CYS Campus
April 5, 2023
12pm - 2pm
*Registration deadline: March 31
Month of the Military Child Movie Day
Lee Playhouse
April 18, 2023
10am
*Tentative
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VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD
https://va.ng.mil/Programs-Resources/Family-Programs/
MOMC Kick-Off! (Ages 7-12)
Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events
April 1, 2023
9am - 3pm
*Registration required. Spots limited.
18th Annual Youth Camp
Volunteer Sign-Up
Camp Week, July 23-28, 2023
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NSF DAHLGREN
https://www.navymwrdahlgren.com/events
MOMC Celebration!
NSF Dahlgren Library and Joy Park
April 13, 2023
4:30pm
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NAVY REGION MID-ATLANTIC
https://www.navymwrmidlant.com/
The Art of Being a Military Child Exhibit Debut and Celebration
Lynnhaven Mall, Center Court
Virginia Beach, VA
April 5, 2023
6pm - 7pm
MOMC: Easter on the Farm
WPNSTA Yorktown - Sports Zone Gym
April 8, 2023
11am - 1pm
MOMC: Color Run
Oceana - Main Gate Park
April 13, 2023
10am
MOMC: Spring Fling
NSA HR - Northwest Annex
MWR Community Recreation Center
April 14, 2023
4pm - 6pm
MOMC: Carnival of Spring Child
JEB Little Creek Library
April 15, 2023
12pm - 2pm
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MOMC: Spring Fever Fest
NSA HR - Headquarters (Norfolk)
Cutter Park
April 28, 2023
4pm - 7pm
MOMC: Family Fun Day
NSA HR - Portsmouth
MWR Community Recreation Center
April 29, 2023
12pm - 2pm
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JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS
https://jbleforcesupport.com/events
MOMC: Bowling Special
Langley Lanes
April 1-30, 2023
MOMC: Spring Fling
Ft. Eustis - Community Recreation Center Parking Lot
April 14, 2023
4pm
MOMC: Child Extravaganza
Langley AFB - Bateman Library
April 15, 2023
10am - 1pm
MOMC: Child Festival
Bethel Youth Center (Yorktown)
April 22, 2023
11am - 1:30pm
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Contact Us
Have questions for VDVS? Scan the QR Code or click the button below to be sent to our Request Services page and we will reach out!
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