got a yard that needs mowing?

project evergreen works to connect local lawn service providers with deployed families. so, if your yard looks like it could use a trim, check out the link and see if there is a participating provider in your area: projectevergreen.com/gcft/

tutor.com

have a kid who may need some fine-tuning in the academics this summer? ever get stuck helping your kid do homework because your deployed hero is better in that subject? have no fear, www.tutor.com is here to help, 24-7, just for service members.

the first tee: free golf lessons and life skills

do you have a budding golfer on your hand? if so, the first tee wants to give your golfer some free lessons and improve their swing and help with life lessons. simply visit their website and find a participating golf course and let your golfer take a swing!

www.thefirsttee.org/club/scripts/section/section.asp?grp=O&NS=DD

operation purple family retreats

i posted previously about operation purple camps for kids ages 7 - 17 yrs old to help them cope with the stresses of the deployment. well, those camps have started and registration is closed for this summer. but could your family use a retreat to help you all cope with this deployment? check out www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/family-retreats/how-do-i-apply.html for find a retreat near you.

operation military kids

operation military kids is the u.s. army's cooperative with various community agencies like 4-h and the boys and girls club of america and the american legion to help kids cope with the military but especially deployments.

each summer they offer a handful of camps (www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/EventDetail.aspx?ID=1929) in conjunction with the local agencies. in addition to these summer camps, they also offer 'hero packs' and a special brief on deployment for national guard and reserve kids.

to find out more, visit them at www.operationmilitarykids.org

free museum entrance this summer

want to get out of the house and stroll through your local art museum? want to take the kids on a day trip to the children's museums? you can do it all for free this summer!

from memorial day until labor day, the blue star families, the national art endowment, and over 750 museums across the nation are offering free admission to military members and their families. simply find a museum (www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php) and present your id card and enjoy!