Plan activities for children and youth in April

The month of March reminds us that not only spring is almost here, but so is Children & Youth month.

The American Legion has celebrated “April is Children & Youth Month” for the past 78 years by supporting and promoting its national theme – “Children... Our Most Precious Natural Resource.” During this month of celebration, American Legion Family members are encouraged to show their local communities the Legion’s commitment to young people by hosting youth activities or by becoming involved in programs and organizations that support young people.

Legion Family members can invite families and community leaders to the post discuss the challenges facing children, families and the community, as well as share ideas for addressing those issues. Also, invite a subject-matter expert on child safety, health and education to present at the post event.

The Department of Connecticut’s Third District, which includes all of the Legion posts in Fairfield County, is hosting a walk-a-thon to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The 1 to 3-mile Kids Walk is April 9 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. in Shelton, Conn. T-shirts will be awarded to walkers with $25 or more in donations.

And for the past several years, Legion Family members at American Legion Post 371 in Valparaiso, Neb., have hosted an event-filled day in April at the post for military kids and other local youth. The children enjoy lunch, firetruck and hay rides, crafts, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, face painting and a magic show. They also write Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards for their parents and visit with members of the state and local police department. The children and youth also recite the Pledge of Allegiance and pledge not to be a bully.

And make any post event in April an opportunity to raise funds for Legion programs that support children and youth, such as the Temporary Financial Assistance program and the Child Welfare Foundation.

Whatever event you host or participate in as a Legion Family, remember to invite local leaders and officials to support the event and engage the media in publicity and promotion. Legion Family members can promote Children & Youth Month awareness through their local newspapers, radio and TV stations, civic groups, schools, social media, and in conversations with other veterans and their families. Communities need to know that American Legion services are available and why young people matter so much to us.

For ideas on how to support and promote Children & Youth Month in your community, download a copy of the “April is Children & Youth Month" brochure.