Every April, the UK honours the Month of the Military Child—a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and spirit of children from Armed Forces families. These young people face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to long separations, yet they continue to thrive with courage and adaptability.
In North Yorkshire, the Service Children’s Champion proudly leads local celebrations, shining a spotlight on the voices and experiences of our military-connected children. They have hosted a range of creative and heartfelt activities.
Photographic Challenge
In 2022, children and families were invited to submit a photo that captures what military life means to them. Over 100 entries were received, with five finalists and a “Champion’s Choice” selected by a panel of judges. Each winner received a special commendation and a family day out to provide some much needed quality time!
Voice of the Service Child
In collaboration with BFBS Catterick and NY Youth Voice, a video was produced featuring service children sharing their stories—what makes them proud, the challenges they face, and what they wish others understood about military life.
Collaborative Art Projects
As part of the Month of the Military Child, we proudly collaborated with two renowned artists to create powerful, community-driven art projects that celebrate the voices and creativity of service children.
Lucy Pittaway
All Together Now
In partnership with celebrated Yorkshire artist Lucy Pittaway, 100 service children came together to recreate one of her iconic artworks as a large-scale replica. Each child contributed a section, resulting in a vibrant, unified piece that reflects the strength, joy, and individuality of military life. The final artwork is a testament to collaboration, resilience, and artistic expression.
Mackenzie Thorpe - Seeds of Love
Working with internationally acclaimed artist Mackenzie Thorpe, 100 children painted resin hearts—each one a personal reflection of love, belonging, and identity. These hearts will form a striking public art installation in Catterick Garrison, symbolising the emotional journey of service families and the deep connections that bind them.
Purple Up!
Over the last couple of years, on the last Friday of April, schools and families across the country have been encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity with military-connected children. Purple represents all branches of the military and is a symbol of unity and support.
It is a great opportunity to show your military community that you care and a chnace learn more about the ways our Armed Forces support our country. Why not plan your own ‘Purple Up Day’ this year?
Month of the Military Child
Virtual Assembly
Each April, our annual virtual assembly is shared with schools across the Service Children’s Champion network to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. The assembly highlights the resilience and achievements of Service children.
Here’s why it truly matters:
Affirmation of Identity: Service children see themselves reflected and celebrated, which reinforces their sense of belonging.
Empathy and Understanding: Assemblies like this help non-service peers and educators better understand the lived experiences of military families.
