April is the international Month of the Military Child and we want families and schools to join us in celebrating their military children. We have some great online events, resources for schools and a special gift for your little trooper.

Louise, founder of the charity, said: “Little Troopers is always banging the drum for military children, but April is a great time of year to encourage others to really learn about what being a military child involves. We want families and schools to spend time celebrating with their military children; reminding them how special they really are. We hope the events and activities that we have organised help our little troopers feel connected with each other. We want them to enjoy having a whole month dedicated to them.”

Louise, will be kicking off the month’s celebrations with a live Instagram Q&A with professional rugby player Thom Smith. 22-year-old Thom has grown-up as a military child and is a newly appointed Ambassador for Little Troopers. On the 4^th April at 8pm, Louise and Thom will be chatting about what life is like as a military child and how families can support military children at home. Follow @louiselittletroopers for more details.

Events

We have organised a series of free online events. These activities will help your little troopers feel connected with other military children across the British Armed Forces community. Bookings will open on the 1^st April 2022, places are limited so families are encouraged to book early. Events you can sign up for the following events here:

• Monday 11^th April, 2:30pm – Lego Workshop
• Tuesday 12^th April, 10:30am – Space Detectives
• Wednesday 20^th April, 10:30am – Lego Workshop
• Friday 22^nd April, 2:00pm – Baking Session

At-home activities

Throughout April, families can download free activities to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. As the dandelion is the flower of the military child, we have dandelion-themed games, recipes, colouring-in sheets and other activities. These are a wonderful way to celebrate what it means to be a military child.

School activities

This year, Little Troopers has created a special Military Child school pack. Take part in a dandelion craft project, read the dandelion poem together, take part in the Little Troopers Lingo Bingo game or do some mindful colouring-in. For older children, there is a new resource which encourages them to host their own assembly about military life and the Month of the Military Child.

Free gift

As a special gift, Little Troopers will be giving away a free postcard featuring one of the charity’s special ‘X-Ray of feelings’ illustration, which explores some of the unique experiences and emotions associated with being a military child. Anyone ordering a free copy of the Little Troopers Gazette in April will receive one in the post with their newspaper, or you can order one separately here.

For more information and to get involved visit our special web page here.