April is Month of The Military Child, and numerous events and activities are being held to recognize the important role military-connected youth play in support of their service member parents. There are more than 15,000 children in Minnesota who have at least one parent serving in the National Guard or Reserve,

Here are events and activities for military youth and families.

This free event, hosted the Minnesota National Guard Child & Youth Program in partnership with the Mall of America, will be at the Mall of America, Culinary North Space, Level, 3 from noon to 6 p.m. April 14.

Registration is not required to attend the open house. There will be music, air brush tattoos, art station, character appearances, photo booth, snacks, giveaways, and more.

Registration is required for the Build-A-Bear Experience (350 available for military dependents only) and Nickelodeon Wristbands (1,500 available for military dependents only). For those interested in these, visit the registration website to read the FAQs and register.

For more information, e-mail Laura Groeneweg at laura.l.groeneweg.ctr@army.mil or call

(651) 268-8695. Or e-mail Mel Egan at Melissa.L.Egan3.ctr@army.mil or call (651) 268-38378.

This special week will be observed April 10 through 14. There is a week designated especially for teens and another for younger children. This event provides an opportunity for military youth to interact virtually with their fellow military youth from across the nation. For more information, e-mail Kiara.C.Palmer.ctr@army.mil.

In celebration of Month of the Military Child, families or a military child can enter this free national contest which runs from April 1 to May 1.

One photo submission per child. The contest is open to all National Guard youth up to age 18. The theme is military children rising to the challenge of being a military child. Winners will be announced in June at https://arngcys.com. One winner from each age category will be named. The age categories are 0 to 5 years, 6 to 12 years, and 13 to 18 years.

For registration information, go to https://testmoz.com/q/NGMOMC23. For additional details, e-mail Kiara.C.Palmer.ctr@army.mil.

The free photo contest will be held from April 1 through 30. E-mail photo submissions, along with 250 words maximum. Photos must have a military child in the photo and part of a military uniform. Photos will be judged on creativity, originality, and evoking sense of service or support. Professional photos are not eligible. For more information, e-mail Mel Egan at Melissa.L.Egan3.ctr@army.mil or call (651) 268-38378.

The free art contest will be held April 1 through 30. Art must depict the artist's military pride.

Mail submissions to Laura Groeneweg at 600 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. All submissions must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in the following grade categories:

Kindergarten to 2nd grade

3rd to 5th grade

6th to 8th grade

9th to 12th grade

For more details, e-mail Laura Groeneweg at laura.l.groeneweg.ctr@army.mil or call

(651) 268-8695.

Minnesota National Guard Family Programs coordinates with state, federal, and contract personnel to connect, veterans, service members, and their families to resources that help meet their needs. Family Programs promotes awareness and self-reliance in service members and their families by preparing, assisting, and supporting them throughout their military service. To learn more, visit the Family Programs website.