L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids
L.I.N.K.S.4 Kids
Marine Corps Children
Ages 6-12
Saturday, January 24, 2009
0900-1400
MCFTB across from Quiznos
Space is limited to 10 participants
Contact Polly Haag @ 445-6875
to register today!
Marine Corps kids look to one another to …
Understand the Marine Corps mission,
Make new friends.
Reach new levels!!!
L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids
Parent Information
L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids is a fun-filled, half-day workshop for Marine kids ages 6-12. L.I.N.K.S. is delivered by MCFTB staff and mentor volunteers. The program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle, helping youth adapt to the unique challenges military life often presents. The curriculum targets school age youth 6-12 years old.
The climate is informal, with a fun nurturing structure and format. Youth receive real life tips, information on Marine Corps culture, and available resources to enable them to help themselves.
L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids is a forum for youth to pass on their Marine Corps Lifestyle insights in a positive, casual, and fun environment; using the concept of “helping others help themselves.” L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids provides school age youth the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy being a part of the Marine Corps family.
L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids provides sections of information on:
Introduction
The Introduction section introduces youth to L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids and helpsthem feel comfortable with one another and their surroundings. Youth will be involved in several icebreaker activities to get to know each other.
Talk with your youth at home:
How many new friends did you meet at the sessions?
What were their names?
What does L.I.N.K.S. for Kids mean?
Marine Corps
This section provides an overview of the organization and mission of the Marine Corps. Youth will learn their local installation command organization. Focus will be on the core values of the Marine Corps.
Talk with your youth at home:
What are the Marine Corps Core Values?
Who is the Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Who is our installation commander?
My Hero is Away
Fun activities will be provided for youth to understand and cope with the deployment of their Marine Hero. You can find many of the activities presented in this section by going on the website Youth will create journals so encourage them to write or draw in it to express feelings or to compile school accomplishments for their Marine Hero when he/she returns.
Talk with your youth at home:
What do you wish for yourself?
What do you wish for your family?
What do you wish for your deployed hero?
Are you plugged in?
This section will develop an awareness of youth’s internet safety. Much like anything else, it’s important that your child knows what your expectations are, understands the basics of Internet safety, and feels comfortable talking to you about problems and concerns. Youth will be involved in conversations and discussions about internet safety. Ask to see the list of safety tips discussed in session for your review.
Talk with your youth at home:
Go to the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) website for the NetSmartz Program at Take advantage of the many internet safety games and information to share with your youth at home.
Smooth Move
Youth are provided tips and information on having a successful move. Real stories of other military youth will be used to illicit conversation from the group. Did you know that every base has a Youth Sponsorship program? Before your military move encourage your youth to contact your installation Youth Director to find the person in charge of this program. The Youth Sponsorship program pairs kids the same age as yours, who will live where you will be living and who will attend the same school your youth will attend. This new friend can tell what the other kids are wearing, what the teachers are like and what fun things are going on. Mom or Dad, check out the school your youth will attend ahead of time.
Talk with your youth at home:
Did you start a phone book with your friend’s numbers?
How will you communicate with your friends when we leave this area?
Friends Rule
This section concentrates on understanding the characteristics of being a good friend. Ask your youth to read the poems they have written using brainstorming characteristics. If time permits you will be invited to a poetry reading to hear creative free-form poems.
Talk with your youth at home:
Did you write a poem about friendship?
What characteristics make a good friend to you?
Community Connection
Encourage your youth to become involved in their community. ITT representative and volunteer coordinator will share information on services and opportunities for school age youth.
Talk with your youth at home:
What are some waysthat you give back to your community?
What do you like to do for fun?
Do you have any hobbies?
Celebration
You are invited to celebrate being apart of the Marine Corps family. Join L.I.N.K.S. 4 Kids participants as they celebrate with food and fun.
Make sure to set aside a spot in your busy schedule to spend memorable moments with your children.
Follow these great tipsthroughout the year.
1. Create a Family Calendar. Just as you keep a calendar for work, start keeping a calendar of family activities. Encourage your kids to make suggestions on what the family can do together.
2. Get Involved. Become involved in the activities your kids participate in regularly. Take part in PTA activities at their school or plan to chaperon a field trip.
3. Involve Children. Busy schedules may take you away from home. If you participate in activities such as golf or tennis, include your child in a game or two. If your budget allows it, bring kids along when business plans call for an out-of-town conference.
4. Plan Outings. Family time does not necessarily have to be spent in or around the home. Pack a backpack and go camping. Schedule exciting outings that include nearby attractionssuch as amusement parks, museums, etc.
5. Be Interested. Students often come home with school projects. Take an interest in these assignments. Ask them about their hobbies and try to incorporate their interests into a family activity.
6. Take Advantage of Dinnertime. Mealtimes can be one of best options for creating good conversation and bonding opportunities. Make breakfast or dinnertime a ritual shared at the same hour every day. Let everyone in the family know how important it is to share meals together.
7. Listen/Talk. Sometimes as adults, we become so caught up in our own lives, we don’t hear the things our children are saying. Take the time to talk with them and really listen. They will appreciate you for it.
Parent Information (June 2008 v.1)1