Published: April 13, 2020
It’s April, and you know what that means? Month of the Military Child (MOMC)! This year’s celebration, however, comes at a time when military families and their MilKids are facing new challenges given the fluid COVID-19 crisis. So, we have to get creative in light of social distancing rules, right?
That said, we’ve gathered just a few of many ways you can continue to carry out the month’s celebrations and honor your MilKid(s). Because their sacrifices shouldn’t go unnoticed. Check out the list below, and let’s have some fun!
Participate in Blue Star Families’ MOMC Spirit Week
Monday through Friday of this week, we’re hosting our very own Month of the Military Child Spirit Week! Get ready to show some serious enthusiasm and pride for our nation’s MilKids by participating in the following daily themes:
- Monday, 4/13: ‘Merica Monday – Dress in your very best red, white, and blue attire to show your patriotism to the USA!
- Tuesday, 4/14: Travel Tuesday – Because we can’t enjoy a vacation outside of our homes just yet, why not take a virtual trip? Maybe the destination of choice takes you back to your MilKids’ favorite duty station location or a beach you were hoping would be the spot for your family spring break! Bring the wonder and magic of exploration to you.
- Wednesday, 4/15: Purple Up Day – Wear your purple with pride in honor of MilKids everywhere (more on this below).
- Thursday, 4/16: Be a Hero Day – Dress as your favorite hero (could be your service member loved one, MilKid, comic book hero, athlete; you name it)!
- Friday, 4/17: Fancy Friday – It’s time to play dress-up to close out the celebratory week! Put on your fancy attire for a family storytime at home.
Follow along on social media (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) to see the fun going down & how others in the community are participating.
Host an At-Home Appreciation Breakfast
Has your MilKid been begging for chocolate chip pancakes with sprinkles or a similar favorite for breakfast? Switch things up a bit one morning and treat them to an appreciation breakfast! No matter what you currently have on hand in your pantry, we’re sure you can whip up something that’ll put a smile on their face.
Wear Purple for Purple Up! For Military Kids Day on Wednesday, April 15
Why purple? Because purple is said to be the single color that combines each military branch’s color—Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. So, on Purple Up! For Military Kids Day, wear purple as a reflection of your support and thanks for the many sacrifices of our nation’s MilKids. Click here for ideas on how to celebrate this day virtually.
Join the PCSgrades #Move4MilKids Challenge
Do your kids love to dance? Well, here’s something that’ll, without a doubt, brighten everyone’s day: a family freestyle dance challenge with our friends at PCSgrades, from the comforts of your own home!
Commit to a little dance session during a virtual recess, and record it to show off your moves on social media with the hashtag #Move4MilKids. This is the perfect moment to give a shout out to your kids’ favorite fellow military children and nominate them to join the challenge, too!
Submit a “Hero Story” for the Chance to be Named Hunt’s Little Hero
This year, Hunt Military Communities launched its inaugural Hunt Little Heroes program, encouraging children, age 4-15, of all military families to submit their “Hero Story.” These stories will shine a light on what MilKids think it takes to be a hero and how they’re positively influencing their communities.
Just for submitting an entry, your MilKid will receive a Hunt Little Heroes cape and mask in the mail! And the best part? Should your MilKid be named Hunt’s Little Hero for your community, they will get to act like a “hero for the day” at a celebratory coining event. Click here to learn more and start the application process today.
Enter the Sleep Well, MilKid Sweepstakes
Have you heard the news? We’re giving 100 lucky MilKids a Sleep Kit, courtesy of our awesome Blue Star Neighbor, Sleep Number®. We know these Sleep Kits don’t fix MilLife challenges, but they certainly do bring comfort amidst the chaos. Enter your MilKid by April 30 for the chance to win here.
Download Blue Star Families’ MilKid Certificate
We can all agree that it’s not just us adults juggling a lot right now. It’s also our MilKids. So, let’s recognize and celebrate them! Tell your MilKid they’re awesome by downloading this printable certificate. And if you’d like, snap a photo of them with it and share it with us on social media! We love to see their smiling faces.
Although MOMC comes only once a year, Blue Star Families is committed to empowering and supporting MilKids all year long. Become a member of our family for free today to stay in-the-know on exciting events and resources we have to offer in your community and nationwide.
Posted In: COVID-19, Family Life, Military Kids, Month of the Military Child