The mission of the Child and Youth Program is to promote and sustain the quality of life and resilience of dependent children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support service and enrichment programs.
Get Involved
Join as many, or as few events, as you want! We offer in-person and virtual opportunities for military youth to meet each other and form a community together while learning useful life skills to help youth navigate military life. Some events that occur throughout the year include:
- Summer & Winter Camps: 3-5 day overnight camps for youth ages 9 and up.
- Youth Groups: one hour regional gatherings every month that allow youth to meet and learn more about what we have going on.
- Teen Retreats: a weekend retreat and training for our teen leaders.
Join the Idaho National Guard TeenPanel!
Are you between 14 and 18 years old with a parent, guardian, or sibling serving in the U.S. Armed Forces? If so, you may be eligible to join the Idaho National Guard Teen Panel!
Members participate in state-wide and regional events, engage in leadership opportunities, and connect with peers.
Requirements:
- Age: 14–18 years old
- At least one family member in the Armed Forces
- Enrolled in grades 8–12
- Commitment to attend at least 75% of quarterly meetings and participate in camps and retreats
The Teen Panel commitment runs through October 2025. Ready to make a difference? Apply today!
Become a Camp Chaperone!
Join us as an adult chaperone for an enriching camp experience! You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and engagement of our youth while supporting camp directors.
Requirements:
- Must be 19 years old by camp start date
- Pass a background check
- Complete 30 minutes of training before camp
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with check-in and camper orientation.
- Facilitate activities and ensure youth participation.
- Maintain a safe environment and support youth in need.
Be a positive role model and help make a difference in the lives of our campers. Ready to join us? Sign up today, by visiting the links below!
Central Snow Bash Adult Chaperone Application:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/IDNGChildYouthPrograms/_2025CENTRALSnowBashAdultChaperoneApplication
North Snow Bash Adult Chaperone Application:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/IDNGChildYouthPrograms/_2025NORTHSnowBashAdultChaperoneApplication
Deployment Cycle School Outreach
The Idaho National Guard Child & Youth Program serves as a resource for our military youth in Idaho. This year, our program is looking to expand our reach and work directly with schools that have children of service members who are currently deployed, about to be deployed, or have recently returned from deployment. We understand that military youth experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and more during deployment cycles unique to the military upbringing. If you would like us to send more information to better equip schools on the topic and on our program, please sign up here.
Check out our upcoming events and opportunities!
Browse our CYP Brochure
Download the CYP Brochure Here
Helpful Links
Resources for Families
Resources for Educators
Join our CYP Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/idngcyp
Meet Our CYP Team
Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator:
Cynthia Ballesteros
cynthia.a.ballesteros.ctr@army.mil
cynthia.ballesteros.ctr@gmail.com
Child and Youth Coordinator:
Julia Villagomez