There are two exciting projects coming to different areas of the country that feature military brats. Their delivery is different, but the message is the same; military life influences the child. Whether it is living in other countries, moving often or having deployed parents, most military children live different lives than their civilian counterparts. These two programs show how different and how to bridge the gap between the two.
Brats without Borders is a nonprofit organization that through film shows military brats who they are and where they come from. The organization gives voice to military kids and allows parents and other community members to understand their unique struggles. In the film, "Brats: Our Journey Home" former military brats Norman Schwarzkopf and Kris Kristofferson talk about their journey as military brats and military members. Education is a key ingredient to this film by helping counselors and others that work with this unique group of kids and adults understand what their lives may be like.
Unclassified: The Military Kid Art Show is another project that uses art as a means of communication and education for military kids and their peer groups in schools. As an artist and adult military brat, Lora Beldon created this program to get kids talking and to help them realize what life would be like if they had to move to another country where no one knew them and they didn't speak the language. She does this by having the kids pretend they are moving to Mars. Lora said this is the closest example of what military moves are like for children and now their civilian peers can understand what that may feel like. It helps create a sense of empathy and understanding. To view some of the artwork provided by kids around the country click here.
There is also a traveling museum collection. One of the collections "Operation Footlocker" features books and educational material that relates to the subculture of military brats. You can find out when the traveling museum show will be coming to you or to learn how to request it, go to their Facebook page.
