State Youth Coordinator

Sesame Street for Military Families on Facebook!

The Tennessee National Guard has many programs available, one being the Child and Youth Program. The Child
and Youth Programs offer many activities for military youth. There are three summer camps that are offered each
year in three different locations: Lavinia, Smyrna and, Catoosa. These camps are designed specifically for military
youth of the Army and Air National Guard.  They are week-long camps and are held at Tennessee National Guard
training sites. The Child and Youth Programs Coordinator collaborates with local community and military organizations designed to support youth such as: CYS, 4H, Boys & Girls Club of America, scouts and faith-based organizations,
as well as other youth coordinators. We emphasize fun in order to relieve any existing stress, and promote friendship, support groups and the joy of learning.  The Child and Youth Programs also support the Yellow Ribbon Army and
Air Events. The Child and Youth Coordinators provide educational, fun-filled activities to support children and youth
during the deployment cycle. Lessons are experience-based and provide youth with the knowledge to share, process, generalize and apply the educational lessons. Curriculum and Activities are supported by Operation Military Kids (OMK) through youth outreach guides, Hero Packs, and use of the Mobile Tech Lab.

Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Weeks

   PURPOSE:  To provide a unique opportunity for Tennessee Guard youth to attend a quality summer camp that
may not otherwise be available to them; to foster a sense of well-being while forming friendships with fellow National
Guard youth of different ages, communities and backgrounds; to understand the role of the Guard in state and federal missions; and to better understand why their loved ones serve in the National Guard.
SPONSOR: The Tennessee National Guard Family Programs Office and the Tennessee National Guard Counterdrug
Division sponsor the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Weeks.
ATTENDEES:  Each weeklong camp will accommodate Army and Air National Guard boys and girls ages 9-17.
Dependent children, siblings, and grandchildren of National Guard members in this age group are eligible to apply.
A youth of a non-Guard member may also apply but must be sponsored by a National Guard member to attend camp. However, first consideration will be given to those children whose parent(s) volunteer their services as camp staff. 
Second consideration will be given to dependents, siblings, and grandchildren of National Guard members in the order
their applications are received. After these two groups have been considered, all other applications will be considered based on bed availability at each camp.
STAFF:  Since Family Programs promotes the concept of volunteerism, the summer camp will be staffed entirely by volunteers in a non-pay status.  Volunteers may consist of AGR, M-Day Guard members, family members, retirees and community members who are 18 years of age or older.  Full-time as well as part-time volunteers will be accepted.  Military/Civilian Volunteers assisting with the Camp Operation may be in one of the following statuses: 
(1) AGR - Permissive TDY as approved by the supervisory chain of command;
(2) Technician - Administrative leave as approved by the supervisory chain of command; and
(3) Volunteer - those who take leave, etc. from their civilian/military job and volunteer to assist.

   JUNIOR COUNSELORS:  A Junior Counselor Training Weekend will be held February 19-20, 2010. Guard youth between the ages of 15 through 17 have the opportunity to serve as Junior Counselors.  The junior counselors will supplement the adult volunteer staff as well as enjoy all camp activities. All junior of campers for the entire week and will be housed in the barracks with the campers.  These positions are limited.  All Junior Counselor applicants will be notified by mail or email of their acceptance as Junior Counselors. Favorable consideration is given to those with previous camper experience.  Youth that are not accepted as Junior Counselors can still attend camp as a camper.
FACILITIES:  The Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Week will be conducted at three major training installations across the state of Tennessee and Georgia. The West TN camp will be held at the Lavinia Training Site. The Middle TN camp will be held at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna. The Southeast TN camp will be held at the Volunteer Training Site in Catoosa, GA.  Utilizing these assets will permit maximum use of resources in support of the program.

    ACTIVITIES:  The activities offered will include, but are not limited to, swimming, bowling, archery, crafts, paintball, class instruction, skating, outdoor water games, etc. Campers will be responsible for cleaning barracks and will participate in various other activities throughout the week.
SUMMARY:  The overriding objective of the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Weeks is to provide a positive experience for our Guard youth in a safe and caring environment placing emphasis on life    skills. This initiative designed for the youth of our National Guard    members demonstrates our Family Programs policy that we care about           the Quality of Life.

“Guard ---Growing Up Aware, Responsible, and Dedicated!”

Teen Panel

Purpose:  To provide a forum for military teens, ages 13-18, to discuss Ideas and offer suggestions that will positively impact the Tennessee National Guard (TNNG) Youth Program.  The TNNG Teen Council’s role is to assist the State Youth Coordinators and act as a collective voice for the children and youth of the TNNG.
Mission:  The TNNG Teen Council is dedicated to developing leadership skills and enhancing life for military children and youth of Tennessee.

Contact Information

Please contact Paige Major or Tiffany Vaughan to obtain further
information on the Tennessee National Guard Youth Programs.

Paige Major
Email
Work Cell: (615) 707-0582

Tiffany Vaughan
Email
Office: (615) 313-0547

Family Programs
3041 Sidco Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
Attention: Paige Major or Tiffany Vaughan
Fax Number: (615) 313-0526