Rhode Island 2013 A National Guard Child and Youth Program nnual R eport
Rhode Island National Guard Child and Youth Program 2013 Annual Report m i s s i o n Our mission is to ensure that our military children and youth have the tools and resources they need to be resilient and to support their social, emotional, educational, and recreational needs. G o a l s Support military youth and families throughout the deployment cycle by providing resources, opportunities, support services, and meaningful programs and activities that develop resiliency skills and build community Deliver recreational, social, and educational programs for military youth living in civilian communities. Educate the community on the impact of the deployment cycle on youth, families, and the community Provide resources for schools and professionals working with military youth Create, nurture, and encourage community support networks for military youth [My children s involvement in the program] has been wonderful, building self confidence, encouragement for positive interactions and expanding the horizon beyond what they see, seeing that they are not the only ones experiencing these feelings and changes. Parent, RI Satisfaction Survey, 2013 Branch/Component Ages 6-12 Ages 13-18 Army National Guard 574 235 Air National Guard 293 66 Army Active 40 0 Army Reserve 3 2 Air Force Active 16 0 Air Force Reserve 2 0 Navy Active 200 50 Navy Reserve 10 0 Marine Active 9 0 Marine Reserve 20 2 Coast Guard Active 25 2 Coast Guard Reserve 0 0 Other 148 TOTAL: 1,192 357 Total Youth Served in FY 2013: 1,697
2 0 1 3 H i g h l i g h t s 18 Child and Youth Program Events and Programs 2 Military Youth Development Camps 17 Child and Youth Program Trainings, Briefings, School and Community Outreach, and Professional Development Days 2 RI Military Family Program Events Volunteers 6 Youth Council Meetings 6 Family Readiness Group Youth Programs 10 Yellow Ribbon Child and Youth Programs 7 Family Days/Events 2 Military Appreciation Days at Sporting Events and Recreational Facilities Over 200 adult and youth volunteers logged over 1,178 hours Volunteers assisted with Yellow Ribbon Events, 2 Camps, 9 Educational Trips, and 2 Family Program Events Volunteers were recognized at our RI Military Family Program s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in April, where they were honored with a special award from the Adjutant General R. I. N. G. L e a d e r s M i l i t a r y Y o u t h C a m p On Monday, August 19 th, 2013, 89 of Rhode Island s finest troops stood in formation as they awaited orders from command. For many, it was their first deployment. Feelings of worry and excitement filled the room as loved ones said their goodbyes and the troops were met with new faces. Although this deployment was short, saying goodbye is always difficult. At the sound of a whistle all troops headed out the door and boarded the buses for YMCA Camp Fuller in Wakefield, Rhode Island, the location of the 2013 R.I.N.G. Leaders Military Youth Camp! Chatter and laughter filled the buses and it was clear that all of the campers, ages 8 through 14, Senior Campers, ages 15 through 17, and volunteers were excited to see what the week would hold for them. And who could blame them? There was so much to do over the next five days! Together with their squads, they sailed, kayaked, climbed a rock wall, paddle boarded, made survival bracelets, played sports and so much more! During the evenings, the whole camp gathered for a campfire, game night, a movie under the stars, and a talent show. While the campers were busy having fun, they also learned resiliency skills and the importance of good character; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Not only did their character and confidence grow, so did their community of military peers. Each camper left with new friends, enthusiasm for next year s When her dad was deployed, the program helped her to see she wasn't the only child missing her parent. The program helps her have a positive connection with her dad's military service. It helps her to appreciate it more through the people who run the program. -Parent, RI Satisfaction Survey, 2013
The RI Child and Youth Program realized something over the last year; if you build it, they will come! Beginning with our 2012 Holiday for Heroes in December and ending with our 2013 Ye Olde Carnival for Heroes in August, the RI Military Family Programs and many partners, sponsors, and volunteers put on two fabulously fun family events that brought together a total of over 1,600 people! Each event had music, games, prizes, crafts, donated refreshments, and lots of fun! They were each wildly successful with families, volunteers, and staff leaving with huge smiles on their faces. From holding these two events, every section within the Family Program gained more recognition, a positive reputation, and more families participating in their program throughout the year! The Youth Program benefited by meeting new families, collecting email addresses for the distribution list, informing families of our Facebook page, promoting upcoming events, and recruiting for the Youth Council. These events also provided a wonderful way for our Youth Council to volunteer. We look forward to partnering I have seen resiliency built through youth brought together and making connections with each other. I see them having pride in themselves and their families through programs and identifying as a military child. I have been able to work in support of the programs perfectly and used them to work with children to ease anxiety, loneliness, depression, deployment, and family dynamic issues for children. - Faith LaMunyon, Child-Youth Military Family Life Counselor Bigger is Better in Little Rhody! on these events in the coming year and expanding our reach even more! Y o u t h C o u n c i l Our Youth Council, consisting of 13 members, volunteered their time at many of the Youth Programs to work with younger military children, helped pack supplies being sent overseas for Operation Holiday Cheer, cleaned up our beaches, and, and promoted the Council to new teens that they met along the way. As a team, the Council has volunteered over 500 hours this year! Members went through several Leadership Trainings, their favorite was a full day spent with Adventures in Learning where their trust for the group strengthened through various teambuilding activities. They also learned about themselves and one another during challenges on the ropes course and rock wall. The Council had the opportunity to step into a leadership role at our R.I.N.G. Leaders Military Youth Camp, where they served as Senior Campers. This role was an integral part of our camp, with responsibilities that included assisting staff, being role models, leading activities during Squad Time with the younger campers and buddying up with younger campers that needed some extra attention.
R h o d e I s l a n d N a t i o n a l & S t a t e P a r t n e r s Building Community Capacity The Rhode Island National Guard Child and Youth Program, together with youth, adults, schools, civic groups, military and private organizations have created a statewide support network that is growing larger and stronger! This collaboration has provided much needed support for our amazing military kids and families. Among many other programs, support, and opportunities, Operation: Military Kids, RI offered a weekend-long Family Camp for our military families with participation of over 200 people. The Home Base Program and the RI PawSox provided a Military Appreciation day for over 200 military families The Red Cross of Rhode Island provided youth volunteers to support events and programs throughout the year. In the Spring, 12 of their volunteers supported the day camp by providing natural disaster training and education for 56 military youth. The Rhode Island Parent Information Network has a military liaison to help meet the needs of military youth in the public school system. Quarterly meetings bring together community partners from around the state. The College Planning Center of Rhode Island offered a FAFSA 101 workshop for families seeking financial aid for college The YMCA and the Y On the Move supported the program during Yellow Ribbon Events and during our day camp Operation Homefront held a Backpack Brigade, supplying RI military youth with over 200 backpacks filled with school supplies Rhode Island 4-H provided programming during our spring and summer camps, serving over 145 military youth
Rhode Island National Guard Child and Youth Program 2013 Annual Report C o n n e c t w i t h U s! Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ringcyp There are always activities going on for the youth, covering a wide range of interests. All the activities are organized and well staffed by caring, fun qualified staff members. [The] Facebook page and newsletters are informative and provide useful info, links. - Parent, RI Satisfaction Survey, 2013 For more information, please contact: Mrs. Holland K. Tulip Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator 541 Airport Road Warwick, RI 02886 Office: 401-275-1254 Mobile: 401-529-5848 Email: Holland.k.tulip.ctr@mail.mil