Child and Youth Programs


The Child and Youth Program (CYP) is an integral component of the D.C. National Guard’s comprehensive approach to Family Readiness. By upholding the well-being of the entire family, the CYP offers outcome based activities designed to foster positive youth development and support the unique strengths and challenges of D.C. National Guard children. This high quality, out-of-school time program exists io mitigate risky behaviors, enhance resilience, develop positive coping strategies, and assist our D.C. National Guard youth in reaching their full potential as the next generation of leaders.

Age-appropriate activities and support services are offered in four service delivery areas:

  • Art, Recreation & Leisure
  • Sports, Fitness & Health
  • Life Skills, Citizenship, Character Development & Leadership
  • Academic Support, Career Development, Mentoring & Intervention

D.C. National Guard Programs

  • The Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a community-based organization that targets the at-risk youth of the District of Columbia in the efforts of helping them obtain their high school diploma or GED, and assisting them in becoming productive citizens.  Cadets are enrolled in a 17.5-month program which consists of a 22-week residential phase at the academy's Laurel, Md., campus, and a 1-year, post residential, skills-building, mentor phase.  The program began in 1993 and has saved and changed the lives of more than 600 teens; many of them joining the civilian workforce, pursuing advanced education and military careers.
  • The D.C. National Guard also sponsors the About Face program which is an after-school and summer outreach program for local youth that provides classes on life skills including personal finances, employment training and meal planning.  
  • The Youth Leaders Camp is hosted annually--for more than 40 years--and provides local teens with a sense of leadership. sportsmanship and responsibility.