Youth Services for National Guard Families

Purpose

The Child and Youth Services is an integral component of the National Guard’s comprehensive approach to family readiness. By upholding the well-being of the entire family, the CYS offers outcome-based activities designed to foster positive youth development and support the unique strengths and challenges of National Guard children. This high-quality, out-of-school program exists in 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia to mitigate risky behaviors, enhance resilience, develop positive coping strategies, and assist our National Guard youth in reaching their full potential as the next generation of leaders.

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 NG children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs.

Eligibility

The 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 on the National Guard CYS, please contact the Program Manager at 703-607-3012.

Download the ARNG CYS APP from the Apple Store or Google Play or visit the Army National Guard Child and Youth Services website for additional information on upcoming events, activities and resources.