Each month, our Operation Little Learners (OLL) programs hosts field trips for program participants. For Jurassic July, Program Director, Tessa Davis, planned an outing to the Military Aviation Museum and Dinosaur Park in Pungo - Virginia Beach. Little Learners and their families were invited to tour airplanes and eat lunch with dinosaurs. This annual visit is a definite OLL favorite! The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of military aircraft of the World War I and II era. Little Learners were able to view airplanes at close range inside the hangers.
After the tour of the museum, Little Learners and their families were invited to a (socially distanced) picnic in the "Jerrassic Park" playground area. Little Learners got to eat lunch and enjoy dino-themed stories read by Mrs. Jasmine and Mrs. Tessa. All the families had a fantastic time. "We love exploring new places!" Ariana St. George, mom to two little ones, expressed to Mrs. Tessa after the event. She went on to say that she continues to be "so thankful" for this program and the Armed Services YMCA. Many of the families have expressed their gratitude for the continued opportunities to connect with other military kids while getting the opportunity to experience new places.
Operation Little Learners was created by the Armed Services YMCA to provide a supportive environment for both parents and children to learn, connect and grow. This parent-and-me preschool readiness program is open to all military dependents ages 18 months to 5 years. In the time of COVID and social distancing, normal programming looks a little different. Throughout the summer and fall, families are invited to monthly field trips and Craft & Conversation events taking place outside and in areas where social distance can be maintained. A virtual Summer Session is also currently underway. Parents can join in at any time as the program is self-paced with two videos coming out each week. For more information on current program opportunities, visit the Operation Little Learners page.
Posted August 9, 2020
ABOUT ARMED SERVICES YMCA:
The Armed Services YMCA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves currently serving military members and their families. In 2019, we engaged more than 250,000 participants and delivered more than 1.3 million points of service to junior enlisted Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and family members at 200 service centers in 18 states. Whether providing respite child care for parents in need, summer camps for kids, or assisting with emergency needs, the Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit with a mission: Strengthening Our Military Family®. Visit our website to see how you can join us in supporting military families.
