The AKNG Child & Youth Program provides programs to support youth and families through all phases of the deployment cycle. Programming is designed to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of youth, in positive and supportive environments. Core programming areas range from resilience training to state/territory Youth Council leadership opportunities. An overview of each core programming area is below.
ALASKA YOUTH COUNCIL
Alaska’s Youth Council is composed of youth from across the state who work together to identify issues of concern facing military youth and then elevate those issues of concern to military leadership for action and resolution. They serve as the voice of military youth in their state/territory. Teens ages 13-17 may apply for a position on the Council, and once elected are responsible to attend monthly meetings, annual leadership training, and have opportunities to travel around the state providing leadership and acting as an ambassador of the program.
YOUTH CAMPS
Residential and Day camps are hosted throughout the state. AKNG CYP camps, provide research-based, developmentally-appropriate activities for youth ages 6-18 which focus on life skill development, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives, resilience, leadership and character-building.
YELLOW RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM
AKNG CYP supports the YRRP to equip youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to positively cope with the unique challenges faced throughout the deployment cycle. These events also work to strengthen familial connections and communication.
TEEN RESILIENCE
All of our programming integrates fourteen skills to increase their personal resilience. These skills range from Hunting the Good Stuff to conquering negative thinking patterns and traps. The curriculum utilized during these events mirrors that taught to soldiers, but with a youth-focused approach.
RESEARCH -BASED PROGRAMMING
Programming provided by the ARNG CYS Program - whether it be for short events or week-long camps - is grounded in educational practices which meet the developmental needs and interests of school-aged youth. This includes utilizing research and findings from other youth service organizations like 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the American Camp Association, to better ensure youth experience highly-impactful, engaging and relevant training and activities.
LIFE SKILL DEVELOPMENT
The ARNG CYP strives to equip youth with the life skills necessary to succeed in life. Life skill development training is a required element of all programming provided. Money management, culinary arts, automotive repair and goal setting are just a few of the life skills youth learn through their involvement with the ARNG CYS Program. Our goal is to increase youth self-confidence and self-esteem. Knowledgeable and skilled youth become positive and productive adults.