Operation Hero

Operation Hero is a program provided to military school-age children. Operation Hero is designed to address challenges faced by many military children (feelings of isolation, feelings of self-doubt, frequent or long-term deployments by one or both parents and academic difficulties due to frequent moves). This program promotes social responsibility through team-building activities and targets children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The dedicated facilitator takes the time to interact with the children on a one-on-one basis as well as in a group setting. This targeted method is believed to be the key to the program’s success.

Operation Little Learner

Operation Little Learner is a family bonding program designed to support social and cognitive development in little learners. STEAM Inspired curriculum of songs, stories and crafts to promote positive interaction between parents and children. Open to active duty military families and no cost to participate.

We will offer 2 age groups: 18 mo. - 3 yr. old & 4 - 5 yr. old.

Each week a different theme and craft.

Program is held twice a week virtually.

Family Support

Our family support services include childcare, mentoring, infant support, and the giving of household goods or financial support for lower enlisted families in need.

The ASYMCA building is also available for FRG’s, coffee groups and other military-minded organizations to use for meetings and gatherings.

ASYMCA’s role is to make life easier for our service members stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. Opportunities abound for family members to get out and relax, without having to worry about the burdens of military life.

Operation Ride Home

Since 2011, Jack Daniel's and the Armed Services YMCA Operation Ride Home program has helped bring military families together for the holidays. Operation Ride Home provides financial assistance to eligible active duty junior-enlisted military and their families to travel from their duty station, back home to spend time with their families. Reconnecting military families during this special time of year is one small way Operation Ride Home is strengthening military families. To date, the Jack Daniels and Armed Services YMCA Operation Ride Home Program has helped a total of 6,410 individuals travel home for the holidays.
Operation Ride Home is open to active duty military members rank E5 and below. Recipients may receive up to $400 per plane ticket or $100 per person, if driving for travel home during the holidays.

Program Details

• Completed applications must be received prior to anticipated travel dates

• Command approval is Mandatory

• Travel assistance is in the form of Airline arrangements made by our contracted travel agent or by a VISA gift card provided directly by your local branch

• Gift Cards must be picked up by the service member, spouse, or other designated person prior to the travel dates

• Participants are determined and prioritized based on financial need by their respective commands

• Travel destination must be within the United States and its territories

• Upon award of travel, participants selected may be required to submit a video testimonial and/or photos

• All communication is primarily conducted via email, however, applicants should provide the best contact information for us to reach out should they be selected for travel assistance

  *We CANNOT reimburse for airline tickets already purchased by either yourself or by family members.

  *COMMAND leave approval is Mandatory, any applications submitted without the proper approvals will not be processed by our office.

  Gift cards must be picked up at your local ASYMCA Branch, Airline travel will be processed through our contracted travel agent.

Thank you Jack Daniel's for another great year of supporting soldiers and connecting them with their families for the holidays. 

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Program is set up as a waitlist. Once you register we will contact you.

Help Me Learn/Help Me Grow 

This Half-Day Preschool programs have classes for 3-4 year and 4-5 year old children. The program daily schedules include age appropriate lessons, crafts, numbers and social skills. The goal of the program is to make sure kids are ready for the next step, Kindergarten.  

Operation Summer Camp

The Armed Services YMCA of Missouri is taking applications for Operation Summer Camp 2021 in February. With help from Veterans United Foundation we are looking to send Fort Leonard Wood Active or Retired Military children to YMCA Camp Lakewood. This programs particular focus is on junior-enlisted rank E7 and below.  If interested contact us at (573) 329-4513 to take advantage of this great opportunity.

At Camp, kids can discover the adventure of a lifetime!

Field of Heroes

The “Field of Heroes” is an opportunity for us all to honor those that we consider our HEROES. Your hero may be a service member currently serving our country, a veteran, a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or maybe it’s your grandfather. Each flag will be available for you to sponsor allowing you to recognize heroes in our lives. 

Go to: Field of Heroes to learn more! 

Operation Holiday Joy

Help make the holidays brighter for military families. We are continuing to see an increased need in both demand and support for this program. These young heroes and their families are voluntarily serving and sacrificing daily so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms …

Co-Ed Youth Basketball League

Ages 9 to 17 years old. 

Registration begins October 1st. The ASYMCA Fort Leonard Wood Youth Basketball League kicks off November 12th. Games are played at Waynesville Middle School. 

Teams will be Co-Ed, Age appropriate, chosen by a blind draft and no more than 10 players per team. 

Coaches needed for all levels. Interested contact zguller@asymca.org or call (573) 329-4513. 

Registration at: Youth Basketball

Soldier Support

At the Fort Leonard Wood Armed Services YMCA, we deeply and selflessly care for our troops and ensure their needs are met-because they do the same for us. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses, we are able to assist lower enlisted service members and their families. The Armed Services YMCA office may have household goods and other resources on hand to fulfill a legitimate need in support of a service member’s mental, physical or spiritual wellness. Call (573) 329-4513 for more information about soldier support opportunities.