MI National Guard Child and Youth Programs

09/24/2026

Calling all National Guard Families!

Join us for a FREE Trunk or Treat & STEM Event at STARBASE Battle Creek!

🔬 Enjoy hands-on STEM activities
🦇 Trunk-or-treating fun for the whole family
🎒 Stop by the Child and Youth team table for free swag & an interactive MRT game!

Mark your calendar and bring the kids for a fantastic day of learning and play.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-halloween-stem-night-tickets-2000297084426?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/23/2026

Here is another great resource for mental health services for National Guard families. National Guard Psychological Health Program (PHP)-The PHP is tailored specifically for the National Guard community. It connects service members and their families with psychological health resources, provides non-clinical navigation, and helps address mental health needs or reintegration challenges. State-specific Directors of Psychological Health (DPH) work directly within National Guard communities to offer guidance, local referrals, and consultations.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/tools/psychological-health-program-lookup/

09/22/2026

What does it mean to lean into your Strengths of Character? As one of the core competencies in Master Resilience Training (MRT), recognizing and applying your character strengths isn't just about knowing what you're good at—it’s about understanding who you are at your best. Everyone has a unique mix of core traits (like perseverance, integrity, curiosity, or kindness). When we face high-stress situations, burnout, or major life changes, identifying and intentionally using these "signature strengths" acts as a powerful anchor. It helps us bounce back, build confidence, and navigate challenges authentically. Ask yourself today: What is one of your core strengths, and how can you use it to tackle a challenge this week?

09/21/2026

Looking for mental health services? Military OneSource provides free, confidential, short-term non-medical counseling for National Guard members and their families. It covers everyday stressors, relationship conflicts, parenting, grief, and deployment adjustments. They also offer health and wellness coaching, financial counseling, and 24/7 support via phone, secure chat, or video.

Military OneSource provides comprehensive information, referral and assistance on every aspect of military life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all component members of the Armed Forces, their Family members, and survivors.

09/20/2026

As the summer wraps up, remember: Army & Air Force Fee Assistance Programs are always here to help reduce childcare costs for military families. Learn more at MilitaryChildCare.com

09/19/2026

Early Childhood Emotional Toolkits (Sesame Street for Military Families) can help when trying to explain tough topics with your younger children. For younger children, processing big changes like a parent deploying, moving to a new state, or coping with grief can be abstract and confusing. This platform provides bilingual videos, printable activities, and structured daily routines designed by developmental experts to help young kids express feelings and build emotional stability.

Explore military parenting advice and tips to find information on self-expression, positive parenting, and answers to common concerns of Military families.

09/18/2026

Want to get "Boo'd" this Halloween? Sign up to receive a special FREE Boo Packet delivered right to your door!
This fun kit is filled with everything you need to start a spooky surprise tradition in your own neighborhood. Inside, you'll find fun activities and games, along with the official instructions and supplies to "boo" your neighbors.

Sign up today. This packet is for National Guard members and their families only.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-youve-been-booed-packet-tickets-2000500128737?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/16/2026

When "fine" isn't actually fine, help is just a text away. Crisis Text Line offers free, confidential, 24/7 support for any type of mental health crisis or emotional struggle. No judgment, just real humans ready to listen. 🇺🇸 Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live crisis counselor. Learn more at

Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 confidential crisis support in English & Spanish. Su***de hotline for anxiety, depression, bullying.

09/15/2026

Our resiliency skill of the month is Strength of Character. Taking the time to think about character strengths can help
youth to focus on enhancing their current skill set, making them more effective in fostering relationships, becoming leaders,
& succeeding in school, work, and other areas of life.

Pointing out strengths rather than weaknesses also improves the core competency of optimism.