Being a Military Child
|
|
Being a military child is hard but rewarding. It is hard because parents are away a lot and miss a lot of things like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and New Year's. At the same time though it is rewarding because you know that somehow, somewhere a child the same as you, is getting the help that they deserve, given to them by Canadian heroes. The Trenton Military Family Resource Center introduces families who come to Trenton to the invisible ribbon and the invisible uniform. The invisible ribbon is the ribbon of families of military personnel and the invisible uniform is the uniform that the families 'wear'. As well they show families just how important they are to the strength behind the uniform.
The MFRC helps me as a child of a Canadian Soldier to feel like I belong, and to remind me that I always have a place I can go to if I ever need help. The people there show me just how much they care. They give me the resources to find what I need and to realize my full potential. They also give me opportunities to volunteer in the daycare and the playroom. As well, I am a teen mentor at P.A.L.S. (Peers Assisting Life Skills), which gives youth a chance to let loose and let their guard down, which is very important due to our lifestyle. It's a time for older kids to help and teach younger kids and be with others just like them. |
Each summer, the MFRC in co-operation with the HEROES FOUNDATION puts on a fully funded camp at Wesley Acres called Heroes' Camp. The purpose of this camp is for military kids to go and have a fun and amazing week. I was lucky enough to have been able to go to this camp and it was one of the best weeks of my life. At Heroes Camp, each day was full and exciting. We got the chance to take part in water sports in the morning and land sports in the afternoon. One of the best activities was I did was play on a 40 foot tall, "high ropes course" and at the end was a zip line. Not only does this foundation allow children to go to Heroes' Camp, it also allows them to go to other camps at a lower cost. The four founders of the HEROES FOUNDATION are some of the best people I know because they do this out of the goodness of their hearts for us - the kids.
The MFRC does a lot of great things for children of military families. I think the best thing that the people at the MFRC offer to me is they not only understand what I'm going through but they comfort me as I live my life. By doing this, these wonderful men and women begin to feel like a part of a larger family that I trust. I am very proud and honored to be a child of a Canadian Soldier. |