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Helping Military Youth Thrive

For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to empowering military youth with the tools to learn, grow, and succeed.

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Serving Iowa Guard Families

Helping Guard kids grow confident and connected

Wherever duty takes their families.

Adventure Kits

Adventure Kits

Adventure Kits bring Guard families together with seasonal, hands-on projects that spark curiosity and connection. Each kit includes STEM challenges, health tips, and guided videos families can open anytime, anywhere.

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Summer Camp

Summer Camp

Summer Camp gives Guard teens a week of adventure, growth, and community. Through team challenges, leadership labs, and mentor support, campers build confidence, friendships, and memories that last far beyond the week.

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Military Family Events

Military Family Events

Military Family Events connect Guard households across Iowa through regional gatherings, workshops, and volunteer-led celebrations. These shared moments strengthen community, belonging, and Guard family pride all year long.

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Mission

What Guides Our Work

Support Guard-connected kids and caregivers with experiences, resources, and trusted relationships that build resilience and stability at home.

Vision

Where We're Headed

A future where every Guard family is supported by a connected community—and the strength of those families is recognized as essential to readiness and retention.

Partner With Us

Bring your time, skills, or resources to Iowa Guard families

From packing adventure kits to hosting family nights, community partners and volunteers help us keep Iowa Guard families encouraged and ready. We’ll put your support to use where it matters most.

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Quick Access Resources

Need support fast? These partners offer tutoring help, counseling, deployment prep, and more. You can always explore the full directory for extra options.

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BGCA Mission Youth Outreach

Boys & Girls Clubs programming tailored to military-connected youth.

Child Care Aware (Army)

Child care fee assistance and respite programs for Army families.

Upwards Drill-Time Child Care

Pilot program providing no-cost childcare for military families during drill weekends and battle assemblies.

Voices you can trust

Why consistent support matters statewide

Parents, teens, youth, and caregivers keep us honest. These quotes highlight what sticks with them long after an event or program ends.

“The online adventure kits gave our kids something to look forward to when we couldn’t be together in person. It still felt like CYP showed up for us.”
Guard parent
“Camp helped me grow as a leader and feel connected to other military kids.”
STP youth, 2025
“These events remind us that we’re part of something bigger — a community that understands the Guard life.”
Guard parent
“During deployment, CYP gave our kids something to smile about — and reminded them they weren’t the only ones missing someone.”
Guard parent
“This camp put the light back in my daughter’s eyes.”
Guard parent, 2021
“Camp brightened her smile again and gave her friends who understand deployment.”
Guard parent, 2025
“Even online, I felt connected — like other military kids were doing the same thing with me at home.”
Guard youth
“The adventure kits brought the fun and creativity of CYP right into our living room — a reminder that we’re not alone in this Guard life.”
Guard family
“Virtual kits like these keep our Guard families engaged and supported, no matter where duty takes them.”
Guard leadership
“It’s where I meet other Guard kids who get what it’s like when your parent is gone for drill or deployment.”
Guard youth
“We come for the fun, but we leave feeling connected and seen.”
Guard family
“CYP builds community in a way that strengthens readiness — by making sure no Guard family feels isolated.”
Guard leadership
“When Dad was deployed, CYP made me feel proud to be a military kid instead of just missing him.”
Guard youth
“Having an event during deployment helped break up the long months and gave us a reason to laugh together.”
Guard spouse
“Programs like these don’t just fill the time — they hold families together during the hardest seasons of service.”
Guard leadership
“Even from the command level, I see that CYP keeps readiness high by making sure no family feels left behind.”
Guard leadership