WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community is observing April as the Month of the Military Child in a variety of fun, creative and thoughtful ways.

"During this special observance, educational partners here on base and in the local community plan activities to recognize and celebrate children from military families who play an important role in the armed forces community," said Andrea Attaway-Young, Wright-Patterson AFB school liaison officer. "Research shows that children from military families are healthy and resilient, but sometimes face challenges, as they are required to make frequent relocations in service to our country. On average, military children move six to nine times during their K-12 years, and during each transition, are required to separate from friends and familiar surroundings, while learning to adjust to new schools, educational requirements and community surroundings. Being separated from one or sometimes both parents during periods of deployments, also can create stressors for military children."

Activities planned for this year's Month of the Military Child are designed to help children understand why choosing a healthy lifestyle is important, that there are adults on hand who are interested in their well-being and that everyone wants them to achieve academic success, she said.

Activities during the month include:
-- Haiku, rapping and freestyle poetry with a focus on being a military child, culminating in a Wright-On Poetry Slam Family Night, April 15, 6 to 8 p.m., Prairies Youth Center, Bldg. 234, Area B. Call 904-4700.
-- Young Writers Essay Contest - topic is "Military Children: We Serve, Too," due April 15, coordinated by Prairies Youth Center. Contact 904-4700 or Bennie Luck, bennie.luck@us.af.mil. 
-- Kittyhawk Lanes, bowing center in Kittyhawk Center, is offering discounted rates the entire month to children 12 and younger. They can bowl for $1.50 per game with .50 shoe rental.
-- Fuel Up to Play 60 event for children diagnosed with autism on April 20, coordinated by the 88th Medical Group and other programs.
-- Serving Our Families Event: Prince and Princess Tea Party on April 23, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3520 Pentagon Park Blvd., for children with special needs only, and dependents of current deployed members and wounded warriors. Coordinators are Master Sgt. Christina Dodson and Tavonne Bridges. Eligible participants may come dressed in whatever makes them feel like a prince or princess. There will be food, games, crafts, contests and door prizes. RSVPs required to Dodson by April 15 at christina.dodson@us.af.mil or 937-257-1147.  
-- New Horizons: Classrooms for ages 2-5 (toddler-pre-K) will have a designated day during which parents are invited to complete an involvement activity such as a craft, snack or story. Wright Care also is doing this, with examples being parent/baby dance, reading, art activities, sensory extravaganza, pinwheel garden and planting.
-- Wright Field South Child Development Center: Spring festival for families to celebrate through hands-on learning activities
-- Wright Field North CDC: Spirit Week with themed days for children and families to dress up as such as pajama day. They will have a designated week where families are invited in to share their favorite story; on that Friday children are encourage to come dressed as their favorite story book character. Families will be invited to attend a snack with their child. Each room is having a designated day where their families come into their rooms and participate in a special activity such as a game, craft, story or cooking.
-- Prairies School-Age Program: Military families have experienced a variety of cultures. School-age children will recreate their favorite treat from their travels and will invite their families in to share.
-- Prairies Youth Center: Month of the Military Child Lock-In, for teens, April 29 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Teens will use social media to connect with others around the world. Call 904-4700.
-- Family Child Care: Metra-Patterson Art Expo, April 25, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Prairies Youth Center/School-Age Program, Bldg. 6933, 156 Spinning Road, Area B. The child development and youth programs also have been invited to display children's art work and give performances in the gym.
-- Family Advocacy Program: Child Abuse Awareness Month Information Campaign; visits to all CDCs with information tables providing support to military parents on a variety of topics from parenting tips to parent/child daily activities; poster campaign; coloring contest for military children and parents.