Youth Services for National Guard Families

Purpose

Child and Youth Services is an integral component of the National Guard’s comprehensive approach to family readiness. CYS operates in 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia, offering outcome-based activities for National Guard children. The program focuses on fostering positive development, addressing unique challenges, and promoting resilience, positive coping strategies and leadership potential.

Age-appropriate activities and support services are offered in four service delivery areas:

• Art, Recreation and Leisure
• Sports, Fitness and Health
• Life Skills, Citizenship, Character Development and Leadership
• Academic Support, Career Development, Mentoring and Intervention

Learn about opportunities and support Family Programs provides for National Guard kids of all ages.

Mission statement

To promote and sustain the quality of life and resilience of National Guard children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs.

Eligibility

CYS is available to school-age dependents, ages 6 to 18 years, of National Guard soldiers and airmen – regardless of deployment status, including traditional drilling guardsmen – survivors, and active component soldiers and airmen geographically separated from installation-based program support.

Child Care

While child care type services for dependents, ages 0-12, are not offered within the core program, resources for assistance are available through Child Care Aware® of America at 800-424-2246 or militaryinfo@childcareaware.org. Please contact Child Care Aware® of America for child care fee assistance and verification of eligibility.

Core program elements

National:

• Guard Teen Panel
• National Youth Symposium

State:

• State Teen Panel
• State Youth Symposium
• Youth Development Programming
• State Opportunities and Military Youth Adventure Camps
• Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Support

For more information, contact the program manager at 703-607-3012 or visit the Army National Guard Child and Youth Services website for additional information on upcoming events, activities and resources.