Project Plans FY08

4-H Military Project - Operation Military Kids (OMK)

Project Leader: Gretchen May

Project Year: 2008

Brief Description

Thousands of children in Massachusetts are experiencing the deployment of a family member who is serving in the Global War on Terrorism.  These children need support and connection to informed people who care.  To that end, UMass Extension 4-H is leading 2 projects: 4-H Military Project and Operation Military Kids.  Both projects connect children ages 5- 18 with 4-H opportunities and  educational, recreational and social activities as well as educate the community on the effects of deployment on children. 

For any youth development  approach to be effective, it must be grounded in positive youth development principles. These principles suggest that all youth must have a combination of the following: access to resources that promote optimal physical and mental health; nurturing relationships with adults and positive relationships with peers; safe places for living, learning and working; educational and economic opportunity; and structured activities and the opportunity for community service and civic participation (MA Department of Public Health, 2003). According to a National report entitled Eight Essential Elements for 4-H, (1999) effective youth programs must also ensure inclusive environments for all youth, as well as opportunities for mastery and active participation in determining one's future. Our 2 projects provide these items.

Activities

• Present OMK informational Workshops
• Conduct Hero Pack Letter Writing Workshop
• Present Hero Packs
• Maintain OMK Website
• Speak Out for Military Kids

Inputs: Time and Effort

Outcomes:

This Project will document progress towards the following:

• Youth are effective team members, communicators, and leaders
• Youth increase their communication skills.
• Youth engage in community service learning