1. Supporting military connected kids Presented by : Debbie Nichols

2. Today’s military families 2 million children have experienced 1- 9 deployments 70 % of our military families are not living on a military base, they are living in our local communities There is no method or system to know where children connected to the military are located Military families appreciate and accept their community supporting them, but they will not ask for help.

3. Its hard to know who is military connected

4. Today’s Military Connected Kids Can be connected by:  Active Duty- Presently serving military obligation  National Guard- Monthly weekend warrior and can be called to duty  Reserves- Can we called to duty  Veteran- Fulfilled military obligation  Gold Star- Lost their life while serving military obligation

5. Military Child’s Life Why is a military connected child’s life so unique?  They move frequently  Their loved one(s) can be called away at anytime  They take on more responsibilities at home during a deployment and/or trainings  They experience highly emotional deployments and homecomings  They can live on or off a military base  Trained to be strong with a “suck it up” attitude

6. Stages of Military Life Different stages of military life can impact a child-  Parent’s Trainings  Parent’s Deployments & Leaves  Parents Transitioning from a military obligation  Parent becoming a Veteran  Parent/ guardian that have lost their life while serving their military obligation Country

7. Challenges What does a military connected child face?  Long term separations  Fear of their loved one’s safety  Family dynamics changes  Their loved one can return home with visible and invisible wounds  Their community & school are unaware of what stage of military life they are experiencing  The child feels isolated and can be misunderstood

8. Emotional Stressors You can help minimize their stress!  Become Aware-What stage of military life are they in?  Avoid conversations regarding military conflicts  Learn how to support during deployment, separation, homecomings, transition, reintegration, visible and invisible wounds, and fallen- MCCG can provide support  When a parent is away-Acknowledge the child’s special days – Holidays, birthdays, etc.

9. Military Connected Scout What can a military connected child offer Scouting?  Commitment  Leadership  Loyalty  Wants to give back to their community  Patriotic Pride

10. Exploring how to better serve  Find out who is military connected in scouting  Consider having your own an internal Military Child Liaison  Establish a "Military Scout Buddy” for new Scouts  Acknowledging the month of April as Military Child Month  Develop ways to support your local military kids & families  MCCG can provide additional trainings on ways to support and connect resources within a community

11. Just for Scout Leaders OCC Boy Scouts Leaders can show their support Purchase this new patch today!

12. Special thanks to: Gregory Leskin, PhD. UCLA National Association Child Traumatic Stress Kelly Basko/ Military Kids Connect website Joyce Wessel Raezer, M.A./National Military Family Association Jhoselyn Ramirez/ Military One Source

13. Need More Information Debbie Nichols / Founder & CEO Military Childrens Collaborative Group, Inc. www.mccgroup.org Email: debbie@mccgroup.org Telephone: 714-536-6184