Tinker to celebrate military children Published April 3, 2009 By Amber Renteria-Hulme Airman and Family Readiness Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- A military child is a special individual who endures a lifestyle of constant change. More than 1.7 million American children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the military. The month of April is designated as a time to applaud them for their resiliency and courage. Throughout the month, various Tinker agencies will sponsor activities and events to recognize military children and their families. A free Month of the Military Child basewide event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. April 18. All children of base ID cardholders are welcome. The event will offer free food, youth T-shirts, an information fair and giveaways. Free cosmic bowling at the Tinker Bowling Center will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. Drawings will be held with chances to win a Wii, IPod Shuffle and other prizes. Participants must be present to win. The event is sponsored by Tinker Federal Credit Union. For more information, call Paula McBride at 739-2747. Youth Center activities are: Today -- free popcorn for all kids April 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- Free Arts for Kids class held at Studio Mid-del. Limited to 50 participants. To register, call the Youth Center at 734-7866 April 17, 4 to 5 p.m. -- School Age Poetry Reading. Complimentary refreshments will be served. April 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Free Babysitter Course sponsored by the American Red Cross. Limited to 40 participants. To register, call the Youth Center at 734-7866. Child Development Center East and West activities are: Today -- Crazy Hat Day, Month of the Military Child Parade, 3:30 p.m. Monday -- Rainbow Day (each class chooses a color to wear) Wednesday -- Crazy Socks Day Thursday -- MECA meeting, 7 p.m. Rose State College, Social Sciences Bldg. April 10 -- Pajama Day April 6-10 -- Infant Parent Conferences will be scheduled at each CDC. April 14 -- Parent Participation Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at CDC West/East April 13-17 -- Pre-Toddler Parent Conferences will be scheduled at each CDC. April 13-17 -- National Library Week April 17 -- Build and Fly a Kite Day April 20-24 -- Week of the Young Child. Rooms will do something special to celebrate children each day. April 22 -- Earth Day April 20-24 -- Toddler Parent Conferences will be scheduled at each CDC. April 27-May 1 -- Pre-School Parent Conferences will be scheduled at each CDC.