CT National Guard Child & Youth Program

Children from any branch of service are eligible to participate. A wide range of activities are offered to include field trips, team building activities, and service learning projects. Attending CYP events helps military children connect with one another. These events allow them the opportunity to discuss the challenges of being a military child and how to deal with deployment and reunion issues

. The CYP is also dedicated to assisting parents and guardians in helping children deal with deployment and reunion. As our Guard members prepare for deployment, their families and children also have to prepare. We have many resources available to cover a broad range of issues. Deployment guides, activities, communication and readiness tips will help children stay connected to their loved one and deal with their emotions throughout all phases of deployment. The Connecticut National Guard Child and Youth Program developed a Connecticut Youth Council (C*C) for military youth between the ages of 13 and 18, as well as Junior Council for youth between the ages of 11 and 12. As a part of the C*C, military youth develop leadership skills, team building techniques, and most importantly make the Child and Youth Program what THEY want. There are also opportunities to attend trainings in and out of state, such as the annual National Guard Youth Symposium!