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Fort Clover to Provide “R&R” for Alabama Military Kids
Auburn, March 26, 2004---It
can be tough being a kid these days. The challenge is even greater
for hundreds of Alabama’s young people who have parents deployed in
the National Guard and Reserves. But for 100 of these young people,
relief – what the military calls “R&R” – is on the way.
May 7 through 9, Alabama 4-H will host
an all-expenses paid weekend getaway for the children of Alabama’s
citizen soldiers. Fort Clover will be held at the Alabama 4-H Youth
Development Center near Columbiana in Shelby
County. It is open to children
ages 12 to 19 of National Guard, Reserve and recruiters on a firs
come, first served basis.
Fort Clover will provide the youth
with outdoor activities, such as a climbing wall and canoeing, but it
will also give them lots of opportunities to get to know peers who are
facing the same challenges.
Bus transportation will be provided to
youth and chaperones from points in southwest, southeast and north
central portions of the state.
Fort Clover is a part of Operation
Military Kids, a cooperative effort of the Army and Cooperative
Extension System 4-H youth development programs. Alabama is one of
four states developing pilot programs to reach out to the children of
geographically dispersed military families in the Guard, Reserves and
recruiting offices.
“One of our biggest challenges is
letting kids know about this opportunity,” said Chuck Hill, Alabama
4-H’s military liaison. “We hope that schools, veterans
organizations, faith-based groups and Extension personnel will help us
in recruiting participants.“
Anyone wishing to get an application
for Fort Clover may contact Hill at FortClover@auburn.edu or by
calling (334) 844-2276.
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