Ohio National Guard News

Registration continues for
2017 Ohio National Guard Youth Programs

Story by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Participants at Ohio Military Kids Camp Kelleys Island, a camp for children of military service members, form the shape of the American flag to welcome VIP visitors Aug. 10, 2016, at Kelleys Island, Ohio. The annual weeklong camp is one of many youth events hosted through Ohio National Guard Youth Programs.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones, Ohio Army National Guard state command sergeant major, talks with campers at Ohio Military Kids Camp Kelleys Island during a break.

Campers participate in The Ohio State University Sports Sampler, a one-day camp where military children interact with OSU student-athletes to learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills.

Campers at Ohio Military Kids Camp Kelleys Island play and swim.

Columbus, Ohio (04/17/17) —The Ohio National Guard Youth Programs event season is in full swing with a full slate of events scheduled for the coming months across the state, with hundreds of Military Families participating every year.

“We are here to support the military kids, no matter the branch,” said Andrew Seward, lead child and youth program coordinator for the Ohio National Guard. “We offer programs that allow them to connect with other Military Youth and Families, while also helping build resilience and life skills.”

Events range from weeklong teen camps to family days at the zoo or sports sampler camps with local college athletes. The program also puts on family workshops that provide information and resources specifically tailored to the unique challenges that Military Families face.

Membership in the Ohio National Guard is not a requirement. Children of any service member, regardless of branch or component, are eligible to participate.

For more information or to sign up for an event, go to the ONG Youth Programs Web.