There are more than 4,500 school-aged military-connected children and youths in Maine whose parents have been called to serve. Many youths and families in Maine are currently in the deployment cycle: preparing to deploy, are currently deployed or preparing to be reunited with families.

4-H Military Partnerships (formerly called Operation Military Kids) and its state team representing the military branches, local organizations and individuals are working together to provide educational, social and recreational opportunities to support military- connected children and their families in Maine to:

* Meet other youths who are also experiencing deployment;

* Participate in a range of recreational, social and educational programs;

* Gain leadership, organizational and technical skills by participating in the Speak Out for Military Kids program or Mobile Technology Lab programs;

* Receive assistance with school issues; and

* Attend single day, weekend or even longer residential camps.

4-H Military Partnerships, along with state and national partners, want to recognize, celebrate and thank all military youth, families and servicemen and women for their commitment and service to the country.

Other events coming up for military youth include:

* Military Family Camp, Sept. 5-7, in Bryant Pond. Contact Karen Hatch Gagne at 1-800-287-1481 or [email protected].

* National Guard Camp, July 13-19 and July 20-26, in Gilead. Call Steve Hughes at 207-430-5773.

April 15 was “Purple Up” Day, where participants thanked military personnel and their families by wearing purple.

For more information about 4-H Military Partnerships and how to support military youths or sponsor military camp scholarships for youth or families, contact Karen Hatch Gagne at 1-800-287-1481 or [email protected].