FY17 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "FY17 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW"

Everett Hart
5 years ago
Views:

Last year I became a mother, and I have come to genuinely understand how knowing our children are being heard, advocated for, and positively represented, contributes to Service Member Readiness.

1 2017 Annual Report Over the last year, the Louisiana National Guard s Child and Youth Program has grown significantly. On a personal note, as the State Family Program Director and a Soldier, I have too. Last year I became a mother, and I have come to genuinely understand how knowing our children are being heard, advocated for, and positively represented, contributes to Service Member Readiness. Service Members work harder and are more mission focused when things are secure back at home. Our Child and Youth Program has remained in step with issues impacting our children and have developed partnerships and programs that address current needs of our LANG Children and Families. I am encouraged daily by the work of our CYP Program and the commitment they have to our Guard Families. MAJ Ebony Carter State Family Program Director

2 MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance readiness and foster resiliency for our children and youth. GOALS: *BUILD a haven, a lifeline, and a source of great friendships *PROVIDE leadership opportunities *FORGE lasting connections *BE THE VOICE of all military youth educators, community partners and military *EDUCATE youth with skills and resources FY17 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 4- Camps (ages 5-18) 2- Annual Volunteer Trainings 2- Leadership Trainings (ages 14-18) 2- Teen Council Face-to-Face Meetings 3- Yellow Ribbon Symposiums 3- Family Retreats 14- Community Capacity Events/ Trainings 12- Community Service Learning Projects 20- Community Partnerships 97- Operation Christmas Angels (total # of families) 4-Youth Military Enlistments School Year Participants Army NG Air NG Other Adults Ages Youth Youth Total ,688 - Total Volunteer Hours 207 Gratuitous Hours (99 volunteers) 2,481-Statutory Hours (38 volunteers) $63, In-Kind Labor Our volunteers fill numerous roles including, but not limited to, logistical support, administrative duties, marketing and most importantly emotional support for our youth. We are one team striving for the better good of our military youth.

2017 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) 24 youth between the ages of 14-17 years and 29 adult volunteers and staff attended camp at Cecil J.

Activities included team building, some MRT skills, continued development of both inter and intrapersonal skills, yoga, archery, and social networking and reflection.

Those who are considered for JSS positions must demonstrate, at minimum, leadership skills, positive character traits and the ability to get along with others.

This week is packed with life skills, fun and friendship for our Guard Kids. Campers are divided into four platoons.

Strength Team. Additional instruction was given on bullying by our Military One Source representative.

Youth lowering the flag at retreat at YLC, gain knowledge and the importance of the American Flag. YLC, practice makes better.

3 2017 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) 24 youth between the ages of years and 29 adult volunteers and staff attended camp at Cecil J. Picard Recreation Center in Bunkie, LA. This camp proves to be fun, rewarding, and educational to all who attend. Activities included team building, some MRT skills, continued development of both inter and intrapersonal skills, yoga, archery, and social networking and reflection. Youth are selected from YLC to attend Kids A.T. as Junior Support Staff (JSS). Those who are considered for JSS positions must demonstrate, at minimum, leadership skills, positive character traits and the ability to get along with others. Kids Annual Training 117 campers between the ages of 8-13 years with 18 JSS attended Kids A.T. Adult participation totaled 53 volunteers and staff. This week is packed with life skills, fun and friendship for our Guard Kids. Campers are divided into four platoons. They participate in events such as archery, paintball, marching and cadence, swimming, morning mini workouts, yoga and Zumba sessions, fishing and training from Stand Strength Team. Additional instruction was given on bullying by our Military One Source representative. Campers are able to live and play among other military kids just like themselves, which aids in learning they are not alone in their experiences and feelings. Youth lowering the flag at retreat at YLC, gain knowledge and the importance of the American Flag. YLC, practice makes better. Youth learn from sports and their effort will be rewarded. The Amazing Race at YLC was part of a teambuilding exercise. A camper participating in target practice at Kids AT. The focus is on what you can control, not what is out of your control. Arriving at Kids AT for the first time and being welcomed by an adult volunteer! Being positive moves others forward. Volunteer instructor showing camper how to handle a bow during Kids AT. Patience is a valuable skill. You can t skip the basic fundamentals.

Key Partners in Community Capacity: The Louisiana National Guard Child and Youth Program works together with youth, adults, schools, civic groups, military and private organizations.

*4H Youth Development *4H Coastal Erosion & Wetlands *4H SET Program *Body & Motion Zumba *American Red Cross * Little Trooper s LLC * LA Child Advocacy Services *Louisiana Department of Wildlife and

Specifically, Project Y.E.S! expands the resources of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and other youth programs.

4 Key Partners in Community Capacity: The Louisiana National Guard Child and Youth Program works together with youth, adults, schools, civic groups, military and private organizations. We ve created a statewide support network. This collaboration has provided much needed support for our amazing military kids and families. *4H Youth Development *4H Coastal Erosion & Wetlands *4H SET Program *Body & Motion Zumba *American Red Cross * Little Trooper s LLC * LA Child Advocacy Services *Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries * LA Substance Abuse Prevention* Military One Source *USS KIDD Project Y.E.S! is a national internship program engaging college students in service to meet the needs of military families. Specifically, Project Y.E.S! expands the resources of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and other youth programs. We have utilized this partnership for multiple Yellow Ribbons as well as youth summer camps. The Project Connect program is built to assist families in staying resilient in the face of unique challenges. This program targets mind and body skills that enhance communication, emotional understanding, and teamwork. This program is offered at no charge by Project Fleur-de-lis, a program of Mercy Family Center in partnership with LANG Office of Family Programs, Child and Youth Program. Best Practices 1) CYP volunteer orientation: Knowledge is a key part of our adult orientations for camp, but it is not the most important part of orientation. Having our volunteers fully understand and have the behavior to follow through with the necessary steps to ensure our campers safety is the most important aspect. Therefore, LANG CYP offers 1-2 weekend volunteer orientation trainings a year. These opportunities provide sessions in child abuse & neglect, camp expectations, resiliency and First Aid/ CPR training. 2) Risk Management: Having risk management personnel come to assess camps and training sites, prior to events. It has proven to be very beneficial to our program. There have been no serious injuries reported in the last four years. Teen Council & MRT Our Teen Council was established July This council consists of 10 volunteer members between the ages of whose parents are in the LANG. These teens meet to discuss issues facing military youth and to assist in the planning, organizing and development of our upcoming events. The goal is to work together towards actively involving youth in discussing issues affecting them and implementing new ways to enhance the quality of life for our military youth. The intent of MRT is to provide Army Families with a common language around resilience and performance skills. There are two versions of the Teen Curriculum; an introductory 2- Hour Teen Workshop and a full curriculum, which mirrors the 14 skills delivered to adults. Our Teen Council completed 7 of the 14 MRT skills. April and June MRT was conducted during CYP events. 37 youth were trained in MRT.

Testimonial Statements The Child and Youth Program offers a significant and measurable benefit to each soldier's family directly- this unto itself offers a benefit to the service member that

Supporting the families of our soldiers is a critical part of our leadership responsibilities, and is a clear expectation that has been communicated at all levels of Army and National Guard

LTC John L. Bonnette II, Army National Guard Commander and Parent My son started with the CYP when it began and he was 12. He met his best friend that year.

They were there for each other during times of deployment (before Yellow Ribbon Program).

5 Testimonial Statements The Child and Youth Program offers a significant and measurable benefit to each soldier's family directly- this unto itself offers a benefit to the service member that increases their retention and job satisfaction with their guard service, as well as educates and supports the soldier's family relative to the unique demands of being a military family. Supporting the families of our soldiers is a critical part of our leadership responsibilities, and is a clear expectation that has been communicated at all levels of Army and National Guard leadership for many years and numerous times - how else then do we accomplish this mandatory and necessary requirement without a robust National Guard child and youth program? In my opinion we can't! LTC John L. Bonnette II, Army National Guard Commander and Parent My son started with the CYP when it began and he was 12. He met his best friend that year. My son is an Air Guard, City boy from New Orleans. His best friend, who he met through CYP is an Army Guard Country Boy from north LA. It has been 16 years. They would have never met otherwise. They were there for each other during times of deployment (before Yellow Ribbon Program). I can honestly say that the LANG CYP has helped my children to grow up with open minds, learn leadership and coping skills, and they have developed forever friendships. Carrie Matirne, Air National Guard Military Spouse On April 1, 2017, John Bel Edwards, Governor of the State of Louisiana, proclaimed April 2017 as Month of the Military Child. Members from the Louisiana National Guard and with their children. Special guests included MAJ Glenn H. Curtis, the Adjutant General for the Louisiana National Guard; State Command Sergeant Major Robert Stiefvater, Col Jona Hughes RIO At the Project Connect event, LANG families gained research techniques, knowledge of heritage and enhanced artistic sills. First hand experience at Operation Megaphone Lock-In static display. Catch and release at Kids AT. teaches patience, respect and being kind to others.

MAJ Ebony Carter- State Family Program Director ebony.c.carter.mil@mail.mil Mrs. Angela D. Ott- Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator 1501 B N Industrial Park Road, Hammond, La 70401 angela.d.ott.

6 MAJ Ebony Carter- State Family Program Director Mrs. Angela D. Ott- Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator 1501 B N Industrial Park Road, Hammond, La angela.d.ott.ctr@mail.mil (985) (o) (504) (m) Mrs. Mikelle V. Ricou- Child & Youth Program Coordinator 8110 Innovation Park Drive, Bldg.1, Baton Rouge, La mikelle.v.ricou.ctr@mail.mil (225) (o) (225) (m) Find us on social LANGCYP Likes on Face Book as of October 10, 2017: Child and Youth Program: 1,470 Likes Louisiana National Guard: 23,222 Likes Office of Family Programs: 1,072 Likes

Teen Council. Military Appreciation Day. Winter Teen Leadership Challenge

Teen Council. Military Appreciation Day. Winter Teen Leadership Challenge The Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) Child & Youth Program will advocate for all PNG children and will offer programs and opportunities to collaborate with other military children to form a strong support