"Operation: Military Kids" is a USDA/Army Youth Development Initiative that encourages community partnerships to offer support, training and recognition for children of deployed Guard and Reserve personnel.

Description:
Operation: Military Kids helps 4-H and Extension staff, community volunteers and youth, and community leaders and school staff connect with and support military youth . Projects help kids learn targeted life skills and community members learn the unique stresses and challenges that Guard and Reserve families face in times of conflict and war.An Operation: Military Kids Coordinator based in Caldwell coordinates community-based volunteers throughout Idaho who provide leadership to science and technology projects, a 4-H Mobile Computer Lab, 4-H Clubs, and/or special events including Camps, Conferences, and Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) Programs to help connect and support military and community youth.

History:
The Idaho project has received $240,000 in USDA funding to coordinate new and ongoing initiatives since its inception in May 2004. Previous projects have distributed attractive backpacks called "Hero Packs" to qualified youth, sent teens to Washington, D.C. and sponsored retreats, camps, and workshops. Participants have created DVDs to send to family members serving in Iraq, made sun visors, written letters, received scholarships to attend the State 4-H Teen Conference and other youth events, taken part in a "Speak Out for Military Kids" event, and engaged in 4-H's renown, experientially-based, youth-development activities. Volunteers have also led activities at a fun weekend Military Family Camp near Ketchum, Idaho each July.

Contact person: Sue Philley, Coordinator, Technology And Operation: Military Kids, (208) 454-6556, (email)
Office fax number: (208) 454-7612

Address:

University Of Idaho Cooperative Extension System, 1904 E. Chicago, Suite A-B Caldwell, ID 83605 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.operationmilitarykids.org,www.4h.uidaho.edu

Directions:

From I-84 take Franklin Exit S. Proceed downhill past Farm City to intersection (Chicago) and turn right. The University of Idaho complex is on your left, across from the stockyard.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: NA,   Walk distance (in minutes): NA   Nearest Bus Stop: NA, NA minute walk