Month of the Military Child & Earth Day Fest

Free and Open to Military Youth of all ages.

Additonal Community Activities and Events:

Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities

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• Kids Golf

  Any day in April, 7 am - 7 pm, Free
  All Families are welcome!
  The Courses of Clear Creek, Bldg. 52381 Battalion Ave. at Clear Creek Road
  
  Come on out to Rattlesnake Ridge and play golf with the little ones. Bring your own clubs and balls and try out our 4-hole course designed specifically for children, or stop by the pro shop and borrow clubs from us. For more information, please call +1 (254)287-4130.

• Month of the Military Child Bowling Night
  Every Wednesday, April 4th, 11th, 18th, or 25th, 5 – 9 pm, $20 per hour up to a Family of five., All Families are welcome!
  Phantom Warrior Lanes, Bldg. 49010 Clear Creek Road
  
  Price includes bowling for one hour, a pair of shoes, and a medium fountain drink per bowler. For more information, please call +1 (254)287-3424.

• Infant Massage: “Love Me Tender, Touch Me Sweet”
  April 3, 10, 17, 24
  Morning session: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Evening session: 5:00 am - 6:00 pm
  Free, Parents of children 0-12 months old
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  A class designed to educate parents, new or experienced, with the time honored techniques and benefits of applying touch/massage to the baby. Some of benefits are improved circulation, increased respiration drive, healthier digestion, relief from colic, congestion, teething, and constipation; just to name a few. For additional detail and required pre-registration, please call +1 (254)287-2286.

• “Parenting, Nurturing, and Preventing Abuse” Parenting Workshop
  April 3, 10, 17, 24
  9:30 am - 11:30am
  Free, Parents of children 4-13 years old
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  The purpose of the class is to address the issues, and provide meaningful information to parents of school age children. It will address concerns that may occur within this relationship and how to establish and maintain a calm and positive bond during this transitional age. For registration or additional information, please call at +1 (254)618-7443 or +1(254)286-6774.

• Boot Camp for New & Expectant Dads: “Dedicated and Devoted, Dads to Be”
  April 4, 9 am - 12 pm
  Free, New & Expectant Fathers of newborn infants (Military & Civilian fathers)
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  This class educates new and expectant fathers on the parental roles and responsibilities and helps them develop strategies to adapt and cope with a new baby. It is an interactive workshop for Dad's only! For more information and pre-registration, please call +1 (254)287-2286.

• Preparing for Marriage: “How to Raise Healthy Children”
  April 4, 9 am - 4:30 pm
  Free, Adults (engaged couples)
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  The workshop regularly empowers attendees with skills and insights which would enable them to enter matrimony. Couples will be better prepared to enhance the communication and fulfill mutual emotional needs that lead to a successful marriage. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the emphasis will be on how to raise and incorporate children into this newly found dynamic, resulting in becoming healthy children today, and better spouses tomorrow. For more information and pre-registration call +1 (254)286-5338, +1 (254)286-6774 or +1 (254)288-2092.

• New Parent Support Program Playgroup: Explore, Learning and Play
  April 4 -“What Makes Your Family Strong?”
  April 7 -“Play Time is the Best Time”
  April 11 -“Strong Roots Make Beautiful Leaves”
  April 18 -“All About My Community”
  April 25 -“Strong Families/Safe Communities”
  9:30 - 11:00 am, Free, Children 0-3 years old
  Bronco Youth Center
  Bldg. 6602, Tank Destroyer Blvd.
  
  Educational and fun activity for parents with children ages 0-3 years old. Each week during the month of April, a central theme will be focused on and interwoven among regular activities. It is an excellent time for children to develop motor and social skills, have fun and for parents to network among themselves. For more information, please call +1 (254)287-2286 or +1 (254)288-1431.

• Family Night – Make and Take
  April 5, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
  No cost to children enrolled in Kouma School Age Care
  Bldg. 48303, Johnson Drive
  Youth K- 5th Grade
  
  Come join us for a fun afternoon of activities made for parents and their child/children to do together. Learn to work together in our parent/ child relay race. Make a beautiful craft together to take home and cherish for years to come. Take a funny photo together to take home in our Photo Booth, and last but not least, parents get ready for a pie in the face thrown by your Military Child! For more information call +1 (254)285-6017.

• Youth Center Fitness Day
  April 5, 5 pm
  Bronco Youth Center
  Bldg. 6602, Tank Destroyer Boulevard
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Join us for our Fitness day to help children increase muscle strength and endurance. Protect the youth muscles and joints from sports-related injuries. Improve your performance in any sport. Youth will be able to strengthen their bones through an intense strengthen training program for young athletes. After this Fitness day, youth should be able to address every major muscle group in the body: chest, abs, upper body and lower body. Be Fit and Be Strong! For more information call +1 (254)287-6745.

• Ozobot
  April, 5 - 7 pm
  Montague Youth Center
  Bldg. 70020, Clement Drive
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Connect your physical and digital worlds with a high precision robot (Ozobot). What is an Ozobot? An Ozobot is a programmable robot that fits in your palm and empowers learners to code, play and create. Come and try it out! For more information call +1 (254)553-7662.

• Storytime at the Library
  April 6, 13, 20, and 27
  10 am, Free, Ages 0-5
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202, Children’s Room
  
  Come out and enjoy a story with us. For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• Hoop It Up Basketball
  April 6, 6 - 7:30 pm
  High Chaparral Youth Center
  Bldg. 5485, Behind shoppette in Pershing Park 
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th - 12th grade
  
  Come and join High Chaparral for an evening of excitement on the basketball court or basketball video challenge. Enjoy NBA2K18 on the screen, 3 on 3 basketball on the court, Wii, Play Station 4, and much more. So, come over and get your game on. For more information call +1 (254)287-5646.

• All-Ages Coloring
  April 7, 1 - 4 pm, Free, All ages welcome!
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202, Children’s Room
  
  Whether squiggles in crayon or mandalas in pen are your preference, everyone is welcome to drop by and color some fun! For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• Hungry Human Hippo’s Game
  April 11, 6 - 7:30 pm
  High Chaparral Youth Center
  Bldg. 5485, Behind shoppette in Pershing Park 
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Come and experience the game Hungry Hippos with a twist. Join us as we turn an old time favorite into a real life Hungry Human Hippos Games with prizes. For more information call +1 (254)287-5646.

• Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention & Education: “Love Them, Protect Them, Never Shake Them”
  April 11 & 25, 6 - 7 pm
  Free, Expectant Parents
  Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
  Bldg. 36065
  
  Educating and informing parents about the ways and strategies to care for infants throughout their periods of distress such as crying, colic, illness, and other similar situations. This class will concentrate on calming both parent and child in order to create a safe, loving and nurturing environment. Topics include: definition and effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome, outlining the factors and common triggers caregivers may experience and outline coping skills to prevent such incidents from occurring. Due to limited class space, only expectant mothers with at least 32 weeks of gestation may attend. To pre-register or for more information, please call +1 (254)287-2286.
   
• “Focus on the Child” Relationship Enrichment Program Workshop for Couples
  April 11, 9am – 4pm
  Free, Adult (present & future parents)
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  The relationship enrichment workshop during Child Abuse Prevention Month will concentrate on essential topics such as building healthy relationships to model for children, understanding expectations with children, and parenting styles. Other supporting topics will focus on adult issues such as personality discovery, improving communication & intimacy, and tips on how to support your partner. For more information and pre-registration, call +1 (254)618-7584, +1 (254)618-7827 (educators) or +1 (254)286-6774 +1 (254)288-2092 (admin staff).
   

• Make and Take Craft
  April 12, 5 - 6 pm, Free, All ages welcome
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202, Children’s Room
  
  Have fun making American Flag crafts! For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• Muskogee Boot Scootin’ Roundup
  April 12, 4:30 - 6 pm
  No cost for children enrolled in Muskogee School Age Care
  Bldg 52943, Muskogee Drive
  Youth K- 5th Grade
  
  Round up your boots and grab your pardner! It’s a barn dance at Sundown for you city folks. We’ll be kickin’ up our heels at the Muskogee Ranch so join us in a dance. For more information call +1 (254)553-7706.

• Royal Tea for Two
  April 12, 4:30 - 5:45 pm
  No additional cost to children enrolled in Venable and Walker School Age Care
  Bldg 60616, Venable Road | Bldg. 85018, Warrior Way
  Youth K- 5th Grade
  
  Having Tea is a Royal Delight. Come enjoy an enchanting afternoon and dress like a King, Queen, Prince, or Princess. Walker and Venable SAC are hosting a Royal Tea Party. The royal court will be enjoying different flavors of tea and elegant party bites. Youth will also learn good etiquette and social manners. The prince and princess will dance the afternoon away. The party will end with a royal photo. Don’t miss this magical afternoon filled with magic and laughter that will give you memories to last a lifetime. For more information call Venable SAC +1 (254)616-5943 or Walker SAC +1 (254)287-4948.

• The Many Shades of Purple
  April 12, 5 - 7 pm
  Montague Youth Center
  Bldg. 70020, Clement Drive
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Youth will chose, decorate and sew their individual swatch to make a creative blanket that represents the many military children in honor of Month of the Military Child. For more information call +1 (254)553-7662.

• “Stress is Contagious: Don’t Give It To Your Children” Stress, Anger, and Conflict Management Workshop
  April 12, 9 am - 4:00 pm
  Free
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  In keeping with the month’s theme, the stress class will emphasize the affects, causes, and hints on the impact of transmitting stress toward the children. The key point is that whether it is intentional or not, as parents, one must be vigilant on the level of interaction and influence upon the children during their impressionable periods. For more information and pre-registration, please call +1 (254)286-6774, +1 (254)288-2092, +1 (254)618-7584.
   
• “Keep Children Safe: Every Ride, Every Time” Child Passenger Safety Education and Inspection Program
  April 13, 9 am - 12 pm (By appointment)
  Free
  Sprocket Auto Craft Center
  Bldg. 9138, Old Ironsides Ave. & 20th Street
  
  April 27, 9 am - 12 pm (First come, first serve; no appointment required) Free Corner parking lot at TJ Mills Blvd & 761st Tank Destroyer Blvd (Across from Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurant)
  
  Certified technicians will provide up-to-date information about car seat installations and hands-on education to ensure your child’s safety. For more information, or to schedule an appointment please call +1(254)287-6505 or +1 (254)288-2092.

• Killeen ISD’s 13th Annual Family Fitness & Wellness Fair
  April 14, 9 am – 1 pm, Free
  Open to the public and all ages, event for the entire Family
  Killeen Special Events Center - 3301 S. WS Young Dr (next to the Vive Les Arts
  
  Fun-filled opportunity for Families to learn how to incorporate healthy eating and physical activities into their lives. Activities to include a live cooking demonstration, rock wall climbing, obstacle course and much more! For more information, please call +1 (254)336-1707.

• Blackout Poetry
  April 14, 2 - 3 pm, Free, All ages welcome
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202
  
  Poetry is not just for poets, and can be fun for everyone! Bring the family and create your own poems -and art- with old magazines and markers! For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• Purple Up!
  April 19, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  No cost for youth enrolled in Venable School Age Care
  Bldg 60616, Venable Road
  Youth K- 5th Grade
  
  We are encouraging everyone to wear purple on April 19th, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Join in as we “Purple Up” and enjoy a month filled with activities for everyone. Youth will decorate their very own Month of the Military Child T-shirt, participate in indoor/outdoor activities, face painting, a Family basketball game and obstacle course challenges. Come out and enjoy spending time with your youth playing games and enjoy Purple Up, Month of the Military Child Celebration. Remember to wear your purple on Thursday April 19, 2018, to show your support! For more information call +1 (254)616-5943.

• Family Night
  April 19, 5 pm
  Bronco Youth Center
  Bldg. 6602, Tank Destroyer Boulevard
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Join us in a Family fun event as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child. Families will celebrate diversity thru culture games, dancing, and food. Learn more about the diversity that we celebrate and the different communities we travelled as a Military brat. For more information call +1 (254)287-6745.

•  “Blending the Family Towards Success, One Step at a time” Workshop for Blended Families
  April 19, 9 am - 12 pm
  Free, Parents with children of all ages
  Oveta Culp Hobby SFRC
  Bldg. 18000 Battalion Ave.
  
  This workshop specializes in identifying the unique issues a family can encounter when a parent with children remarries and creates a new family dynamic. It addresses the challenges step parents and step children encounter and discusses means of resolving issues and potential conflicts. For additional detail and required pre-registration, please call +1 (254)287-2286

• Robotic Competition
  April 20, 5 pm
  Bronco Youth Center
  Bldg. 6602, Tank Destroyer Boulevard
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Bring your team on over to compete in the Robotic club fun night. Watch or compete in winning the first and second places with the robotic interactive robots and working machines. Each team will be given 45 minutes to work on the project before the competition starts. 1st and 2nd place trophies will be awarded. For more information call +1 (254)287-6745.

• Earth Day Recycle Inventions
  April 20, 6 - 7:30 pm
  High Chaparral Youth Center
  Bldg. 5485, Behind shoppette in Pershing Park 
  No cost for youth enrolled with CYS
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Come and join us for an evening of 101 ways to repurpose your trash contest. Youth can participate by collecting clean household trash items and materials needed to create their Earth Day invention. So, join the fun and turn your trash into a masterpiece. For more information call +1 (254)287-5646.

• Copperas Cove Month of the Military Child / Healthy Kids Celebration
  April 21, 10 am - 2 pm, Free
  Open to all ages
  Copperas Cove YMCA, 501 Clara Drive
  
  Bounce houses, face painting, Tootie Tots, performances by the Copperettes, CCHS Cheerleaders, GymKix, ASYMCA Martial Arts, Zumba, Music, Games, etc. Free food and drinks, healthy snacks and the Chick-fil-A Cow. For more information, please call +1(254)542-2851.

• Military Child Bingo
  April 21, Doors open at 10 am, Bingo is from 11 am - 1 pm
  $5 per child - lunch included, 2 - 12 years old
  Community Events & Bingo Center, Bldg. 50012 Clear Creek Rd.
  
  Children only will play 10-14 games with age appropriate toys as prizes. Cost includes lunch for children! Limited to first 150 children. For more information, please call +1(254)532-9253.

• Science Saturday: Earth Day
  April 21, 1 - 2:30 pm, Free, Ages 6-14
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202, Children’s Room
  
  Science is everywhere, not just in the lab! Join us for a special Earth Day themed Science Saturday with fun science experiments you can repeat at home! For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• PAWS to Read
  April 26, 6 - 7 pm, Free, Open to Learning readers, their parents, and anyone who wants to pet Kona!
  Casey Memorial Library, Bldg. 3202, Children’s Room
  
  Studies show that struggling readers improve significantly when they regularly read to a non-judgmental animal like a dog or cat. So bring the little ones to play, and the older ones can read to Kona! For more information call +1 (254)287-4921.

• 3rd Annual, Military Kid Purple Up 2K Run
  April 27, 4:30 - 6 pm
  No additional cost to children enrolled in Montague School Age Care
  Bldg. 70020, Clement Drive
  Youth K- 5th Grade
  
  Purple It Up! Come and join us as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child by participating in a 2K run. Wear your purple and chant along with our military helpers as they sing cadences to help motivate the runners to completion. For more information call +1 (254)553-7662.

• Operation Mega Lock-In
  April 27-28, 7pm -7am, $10
  Bronco Youth Center
  Bldg. 6602, Tank Destroyer Boulevard
  Youth 6th – 12th grade
  
  Calling all Newcomers, come and join us as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child with Teen’s around the world. We will spend hours at Midnight Bowling, playing arcade games, listening to music, playing your favorite board games and a basketball challenge to all ballers. Join the Keystone and Torch club as they complete service learning projects and partake in many leadership games and fun. Don’t miss this opportunity to share stories about your military experiences. Come one, come all and join the all-night party. For more information call +1 (254)287-6745.

Strong Communities Strengthen Families

• Be Informed
  Stay a step ahead, build your parenting skills.
• Be Attentive
  Consistent care and supervision help kids thrive.
• Be Supportive
  Caring words and small actions make a big difference.

Help prevent child abuse. If you are concerned about a military child, call:

• Fort Hood Family Advocacy Program +1 (254)286-6774
• Your local Child Protective Services or Child Abuse and Neglect reporting line: +1 (254)287-2273 (CARE)
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: +1 (800)422-4453
• For additional information, visit www.militaryonesource.mil