JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Each April, Month of the Military Child raises awareness on the stressors and life changes affecting children of U.S. Service members and their families.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, there are approximately 2 million military children, ranging from newborn to 18 years old, and more than 225,000 have a parent who is currently deployed.
"The recognition of the Month of the Military Child allows us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, patience, courage and unconditional support of their parents," said Virginia Governor Terence R. McAuliffe in his 2015 Month of the Military Child Proclamation. "These children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children."
While the Hampton area is hosting a Month of the Military Child celebration, Joint Base Langley-Eustis will host several events as well to recognize the children of military parents and to help combat their stressors.
Month of the Military Child Parade - Fort Eustis will host a Month of the Military Child Parade at the Pershing Child Development Center, April 1 beginning at 10 a.m.
Parent's Night Out - Parents can drop their children, ages 5-13, off at the Bethel Manor Youth Program for a fun-filled evening with dinner, snacks and games, April 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 per child for members and $20 for non-members per child.
'Say it with Music' Workshop- Children can participate in this three-day workshop, which will provide youths, ages 9-18, with the opportunity to write, produce and record their own song as a group, April 6 through 8 at the Bethel Manor Youth Program. Children ages 9-12 begin at 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and ages 13-18 begin at 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration runs through now until April 3 and is limited to only 30 children. Attendance is $30 for youth program members and $40 for non-members.
Kids Fest - Military families can enjoy a free celebration which will include games, bouncy castles, snacks and face painting, April 10, 3 to 5 p.m.
Father and Daughter Princess Ball - The Youth Program will host a formal Princess Ball, for children ages 3-18, at the Langley Club's Columbus Room April 18, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets will cost $30 for participants who register before April 13 and $35 for those who register from April 14 through 17.
MegaPhone Teen Lock-In - The 2015 Air Force MegaPhone Teen Lock-In will be held from 9 p.m. April 24 to 7 a.m. April 25 at the Bethel Manor Youth Program, and will offer teens an opportunity to enjoy an evening of games, including Wii, billiards, ping pong, karaoke contests, and more. Attendance costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members, and registration is from March 30 through April 24.
45th IS Field Day Frenzy - The45th Intelligence Squadron Booster Club will host a 'Field Day Frenzy' April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will offer face painting, relay races, games, fire trucks, Military Working Dog demonstrations, a dunk tank, food booths and more. Tickets cost $1 and the proceeds will benefit the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and Our Military Kids. For more information, call 225-7308.
For more information on events around base, contact the Langley Youth Program at 225-2605.