What is OMK?

Welcome to the OMK information link! OMK (or Operation Military Kids) is a national effort that is focused on supporting the children and families of service members during deployment. In Massachusetts, this effort is coordinated by the University of Massachusetts Extension 4-H Program. Extension Educator Kerry Bickford is a partner on the MA statewide OMK team, and is chair of OMK Cape Cod.

The OMK network educates citizens on the impact of deployment on communities, families and youth, while providing educational opportunities and materials, and recreational and social supports for the children and youth of deployed service members, including an overnight camping experience here on Cape Cod coming up again this summer! The bottom line is that when National Guard, Army Reserves, and other military parents living in civilian communities are mobilized, their children face a wide variety of experiences and challenges. Their usual support systems may not be adequate to deal with some of these challenges, and, they often move "invisibly" through the community, where no one knows the emotions they are facing on a daily basis. These children and youth need adults and others who can empathize and help them cope.
The following attachments contain detailed descriptions of the 4 components of OMK (RSG Trainings, SOMK, Hero Backpacks and Mobile Tech Labs). There are also annual reports that were published in 2007, 2008, and 2009 which highlight some of our work.
Please feel free to contact us if you have a question or would like to become involved in the mission of OMK.  We welcome your referrals, your support and/or your time!

*****Operation: Military Kids is a partnership of Army Child and Youth Services, National 4-H Headquarters/USDA, and University of Massachusetts Amherst 4-H Youth Development.

OMK Flyer

OMK Annual Report 2009

OMK Annual Report 2008

OMK Annual Report 2007