Support for Military
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The War Department knows that military life presents unique challenges for youth and teens — from frequent moves, school transitions and living far away from extended family and friends to worrying about a deployed parent. That’s why the department provides support programs and services to help youth and teens navigate challenges and build the skills they need to thrive.
Military youth centers provide a fun space for youth and teens to socialize with peers, work with mentors, pursue recreational and educational interests, develop workforce and leadership skills, and much more. Centers are staffed with trained professionals who know how to connect with youth, support them through their teen years and recognize signs of stress. Most centers offer computer labs for homework support and tutoring; gymnasiums for supervised sports; fitness, music and game rooms; field trips and more.
Military youth and teen programs offer educational and recreational opportunities, including partnership programs with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and 4-H. From art, music and supervised sports to career prep, leadership development, summer camps and more, youth centers offer something for teens of all interests and skill levels.
The youth center helped me become more of the person I am today. So without the youth center, I know I wouldn’t be here. So it’s amazing.
– Jonathan, 2026-7 National Military Youth of the Year
In addition to recreation and education opportunities, youth/teen centers also provide a place for military-connected youth to nurture their mental health and well-being. Connecting with peers who share the same interests and MilLife challenges can help youth and teens develop important social and emotional skills and feel supported. Centers provide teens with autonomy and a space where they can be themselves. They can also discover offerings made possible through Boys & Girls Clubs of America and 4-H Military Partnership. View the following video to hear teens talk about the positive impact of military youth programs.
My youth center, specifically, has just really made me feel confident in myself. They make me feel like if I have ideas, that I should share them. It’s helped me discover some of my own passions.
– Jacob R., 2025-26 National Military Youth of the Year
When I started Military Youth of the Year was one of the first times I really felt heard and I could feel the support that was there for me.
– Jaylyn K. 2025-26 Pacific Military Youth of the Year
In addition to helping youth connect with peers, youth/teen centers also offer teens the opportunity to work with experienced advisors, caring professionals who understand the challenges of military life and being a teen. They can provide guidance to help teens navigate big changes, such as the emotional effects of deployments, changing schools and making new friends. Advisors can also help teens learn and develop skills to prepare them to successfully transition into adulthood. View the following video to hear youth program professionals talk about working with teens.
The most meaningful thing about advising a military teen for me was the ability to help them reach their best self.
– Brandon G., Youth Programs Staff, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
The best part of working with Child and Youth programs is working with the teens. I think they need an advocate. Most of the time their voices are not heard, and I think the teen center is a great place for that.
– Jacque L. Baumholder, Youth Programs, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Falz
For more information about Youth Programs, check out the following from Military OneSource:
If you have questions about your local youth/teen center or are looking for off-installation resources, Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7 to help answer your questions and connect you with the support you need. Call 800-342-9647, use international calling options or log in to start a secure live chat.
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