Celebrate SOF Youth
April is the Month of the Military Child, and each April the Military Special Operations Family Collaborative hosts a program to celebrate SOF kids. The purpose is to highlight the brilliance and strength of our special ops youth. Our youth program includes encouragement for units and organizations to host kid-centered events and a SOF Youth Art Competition.
Youth Art Competition
Grab your paint, crayons, pencils, or other medium and inspire SOF Youth to create. MSOFC welcomes all entries from 1 to 18 years. This year all entries are due by May 1, 2025. (Fun fact: the art in the header was created by 2024’s Contest Winner, Katie Lock.)
Contest Prompt
If you could do one special thing (with no limitations of money or location) . . .
What would it be?
Where would you go?
Who would be with you?
Please submit all entries through the form. Pictures should be mailed to home@msofc.org
Plan an Event for SOF Youth & Get Resources
We know our families are busy like our units. Gathering at the unit/on the military installation can be a big ask for busy families who juggle a lot. This is why we partner with other organizations to bring resources, books, and more to events celebrating the military child. We want each family to have books and memories to take home.
Reading fuels the imagination and reading together can strengthen relationships and create powerful memories and conversation. This year the United Through Reading (LINK) book/s can be read together or solo. It is important that SOF kids understand why military service is important. And, it is critical that kids and parents have positive family memories (and pictures or mementos).
Gifts that Build Belonging
It can be hard to feel like you are loved and belong. There is a lot that goes into building belonging, but it starts with knowing your talents and believing that your day to day experiences are part of something bigger. These creative gifts do just that. If you are a special ops family member, these gifts will make you feel seen and The Warrior’s Table will affirm that you belong in this tough yet meaningful community.
Connect at Meal Time
Bracelet for SOF
The Warrior’s Table is a book that will equip you and your family to connect over meals and craft your own family story. Kids of all ages find favorite recipes and flip through the pages learning to ask questions and tell stories about their military child experience.
The You Belong bracelet is a beautiful reminder of the importance of our families. The special ops lifestyle may be unique, but it is important part of our national security and it is an honor to serve.
Learn about MSOFC
The Military Special Operations Family Collaborative hosts programs that touch every member of the special operations family. Connection and belonging are critical pieces to well-being. Learn more about MSOFC’s work and programs at msofc.org/our-services
