Youth Activities

Three programs have been combined under the Youth Activities umbrella this year. They include Youth Activities, Young American Creative Patriotic Art and Junior Girls.

Although our promotional and publicity focus will be on the programs outlined below, please remember those other Youth Activities we traditionally provide to our community children. Special-occasion parties are always a hit with the children and provide a safe environment for them as well. Teaching our children the Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Etiquette are wonderful educational tools and rewarding experiences for both children and Auxiliary members. A little imagination is a great investment in our youth. They will remember those valuable lessons if we take the time to share!

Throughout the year we will be promoting these objectives:

OUTSTANDING YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

One student age 12-15, who has provided outstanding volunteer service to his or her community from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008 will be awarded a $5,000 U.S. savings bond and a plaque to be award at the 2009 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Details and entry form are available on the Ladies Auxiliary We site. The student entry deadline is February 1, 2009.

YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART

Our goal is to encourage students in grades 9-12 to creatively express their patriotism through art and to recognize these students and their artistic achievements. There are now seven scholarships that will be awarded ranging from $10,000 for the first-place winner to $500 for the fifth – through seventh -place winners. The first place winner will also receive a plaque and airfare and lodging to attend the 2009 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, where he or she will be recognized for their outstanding achievement. Students must attend school in the same state as their sponsoring Auxiliary. Remember to encourage those home-schooled children in your area to enter their artwork in the scholarship competition. For more information on the Patriotic Art Contest, go to the Auxiliary Web site at www.ladiesauxvfw.org. Brochures may also be ordered from the Ladies Auxiliary Supply Department.

JUNIOR GIRLS UNITS

When we invest our time and talent in support of our current and future Junior Girls, we can be assured Our Dreams will become Rainbows! With so many active and Reserve soldiers serving in the Global War on Terror, there is a new generation of girls eligible to become Junior Girls. It is our responsibility to recruit not only these girls, but also their parents as VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members. By recruiting families into the organization, we are investing in the future of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary! This will ensure that our message, and the work we endeavor to do, will continue well into the future.

“The objectives of the Junior Girls Units are to instill patriotism and love of Country into the hearts of our members, and to teach them to be of service to others.” What an awesome opportunity for girls ages 5-16.

Leadership Achievements can make two hardworking Junior Girls Dreams Become Rainbows. Please encourage all Junior Girl’s ages 13-16 to participate in the scholarship program. This is an excellent opportunity for each of our Junior Girls to further her Leadership Development and Education. The Auxiliary will recognize these outstanding Junior Girls by awarding national scholarships in the amount of $10,000 and $5,000 for the top two Junior Girls in the organization. The first-place winner will also receive a trip to the National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, each Department will (with the exception of the first – and second – place national winners) will receive $100 from the Ladies Auxiliary National Organization in recognition of her achievements. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Junior Girls to strengthen and develop their leadership skills in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD AWARDS FOR GIRL SCOUTS

Auxiliary Youth Chairmen should contact their local Junior, Cadet and Senior Girl Scout Troops to locate those girls who have earned Bronze (Junior), Silver (Cadet) and Gold (Senior) Awards. Request the date of the award ceremony and complete the request form for Girl Scout Awards and submit to National Headquarters. The Auxiliary must present these awards.

Please remember that by giving our youth the opportunity to serve their communities and develop their leadership skills, we are offering each of them the chance to make their Dreams Become Rainbows. By teaching them patriotism and service to others, we open up the world to them and they will reward us by being our Leaders of Tomorrow.