The VFW established a youth activities program in an effort to teach our nation’s youth the skills to become responsible adults through serving our country, communities, veterans and service members. We engage youth in positive volunteer experiences and believe every young person can find a place to serve that will improve their lives, as well as the lives they touch.
These activities could partner VFW post members with multiple educational organizations, like scouts, after school clubs, sports team, faith-based youth groups, youth community service groups, and more. This year's program is as follows.
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2023-2024 YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
Due to the time in preparing the Awards for the 2024 State Convention, judging will be based on the May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Department Activity report.
Awards will be based on the following point system:
1. Two (2) Points for each month a youth project is credited on the Department Activity Report
2. Ten (10) Points for sponsoring or co-sponsoring a Voice of Democracy entry.
3 .Ten (10) Points for sponsoring or co-sponsoring a Patriot's Pen entry.
4 .Ten (10) Points for sponsoring or co-sponsoring each Scout of the year entry.
5. Ten (10) Points for volunteering time or money to the National Home for Children.
6. Five (5) Points for each child sponsored to Camp Trotter for children.
7. Ten (10) Points for volunteering time or money to Camp Trotter.
8. Ten (10) Points for recognizing a Youth Hero. (must contact Director)
Plaques will be presented to the top Post in each division and a citation to the Posts that finished second and third in their division. The divisions are based on June 30, 2023 membership as follows:
Division I 10-59
Division II 60-99
Division III 100-160
Division IV 161-over
A plaque will be presented to the District with the highest average per Post point total.
All projects must be reported on the proper Department Report Form and sent to the Department. DO NOT SEND TO THE DIRECTOR.
Department of Michigan VFW
924 North Washington
Lansing, MI 48906
Be sure you read your programs and due dates for each program.
When reporting your Youth Activities remembers to do the following:
*** Report all activities on the 10th of each month.
*** Keep a copy of all your reports.
*** Check your monthly Department Activities Report.
A sampling of possible activities within each category is listed below.
Category 1: Sports/Athletics - Track, basketball, softball, baseball, bowling, soccer, swimming, Special Olympics, hockey or any sport or athletic sponsorship.
Category 2: Scouting/Organization - Boy Scouts, Explorers, Ventures, Eagles, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Daisy, Cub Scouts, Boys and Girl Clubs of America, Naval Sea Cadets, Future Farmers of America, 4-H clubs and any other youth organization sponsorship.
Category 3: Contests/Special Events - Parades, talent shows, picnics, dances, fishing derbies, walk-a-thon, rifle/pistol competitions, and bike-a-thons. VOD and Patriot Pen
Category 4: Educational /Instruction - Ceramics, stamp collecting, model building, leather craft, missing children (child ID).
Category 5: Recognition/ROTC/JROTC - Achievement award, (medal and citation), Eagle Scout Award Certificate, Honor Certificates for students or other Trophy/Plaque Presentation. Honor Certificates for young people doing heroic deeds such as saving a life.
Category 6: Projects/Others - Build or repair, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, playgrounds, donate equipment, and National Home, Camp Trotter contributions. Use your imagination in this category.
Support the youth in your community and report your activities as soon as a project is completed or a contribution is made. Our goal is to have all Posts reported by the Fall Conference. Report your activities in a timely manner.
(Remember by the 10th of each month).
Larry Thayer, Director
4858 Apache Path
Owosso, Michigan 48867
989-413-1096
vfwlarry@aol.com