Partner With Us
Boost scholarships, sponsor camps, or lend event space so Guard-connected youth have more chances to gather.
Explore partner lanes
PARTNER WITH US
STRENGTHEN IOWA GUARD FAMILIES WITH US
Whether you’re giving your time, talents, or resources, your partnership directly supports the resilience and readiness of Iowa’s military families. From hands-on service to event support, every contribution makes a measurable impact.
Equip Classrooms
Download lesson kits, book trainings, and connect with Purple Star School tools for your district.
See educator toolsCelebrate Together
Host Purple Up moments, share social graphics, and join statewide Month of the Military Child events.
Plan your celebrationVolunteer Your Time
Match your gifts with roles that welcome campers, ease logistics, and inspire our teens.
Find your fitCommunity partners
Reach more Guard families with your time, space, or sponsorship
Local businesses, nonprofits, veteran orgs, and universities help us make more room at the table. Partner support stretches scholarships, covers supplies, and opens new doors for military youth.
EveryStep
EveryStep provided amazing resources during our annual Iowa Remembers Retreat for military youth who have lost a loved one.
City Serve (Capitol City Church)
Capitol City Church assembled a volunteer team to support large-scale events like the Fall Family Festival and Cookies with Santa.
Pay It Forward Always
Pay It Forward Always enriched summer camp with a legacy-rock painting activity that strengthened community-building efforts.
USO Iowa
USO supplied creative craft kits and team-building materials that helped youth build connection, creativity, and fun.
Grand View Christian School
Grand View Christian School partners with CYP to provide facility space and support for youth programming.
Project Food and Fellowship (Iowa Select Farms)
Iowa Select Farms donated take-home activities and meals through Project Food and Fellowship to support military families in Iowa.
Jester Park Equestrian Center
Jester Park Equestrian Center hosted a free horseback riding camp for over 50 military youth, teaching grooming, saddling, and riding skills.
BGCA Mission Youth Outreach
Boys & Girls Clubs programming tailored to military-connected youth.
Lead & Learn
Building the next generation of leaders
Grab ready-to-use lesson plans, mentor guides, and deployment resources that make it simple to grow confident Guard-connected youth.
Educators
We equip schools and youth programs with quick-start lesson plans, deployment awareness toolkits, and staff sessions focused on military-connected students.
- Staff training on the deployment cycle and student transitions
- Classroom resilience activities and Purple Up celebration guides
- Connections to mental health, tutoring, and family readiness resources
Purple Star School Program
We partner with the Iowa Department of Education so districts can earn the new Purple Star designation that honors schools committed to military-connected students.
Core requirements
- Assign a dedicated military family liaison.
- Maintain a resource hub for Guard families.
- Host awareness events that build support.
- Provide staff training on transitions.
Application timeline
- Oct–Dec 2025: Applications open
- Jan–Feb 2026: Reviews underway
- Mar 2026: Designations announced
- Apr 2026: Recognition ceremonies
State Teen Panel (STP)
STP is our teen leadership crew for Guard-connected youth ages 13–17. Members plan events, advise decisions, and represent Iowa at regional symposiums.
“The online adventure kits gave our kids something to look forward to when we couldn’t be together in person. It still felt like CYP showed up for us.” Guard parent
- Lead service projects and mentor younger campers
- Earn volunteer hours and leadership experience
- Connect with teens who understand military life
Month of the Military Child
Celebrate with us each April
Military families are invited to join the statewide Month of the Military Child celebration. We purple up, gather together, and highlight Guard kids whose strength keeps Iowa mission-ready.
Celebrate with us
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25
April 25 · Military Family Ball
Formal dinner, dancing, and surprises for every age group. Reserve your spot before seats run out.
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10
April 10 · Purple Up Friday
Wear purple and share a photo with #IApurpleup to shout out Guard-connected youth statewide.
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All
All April · Share support
Update your social media profile picture, host hallway displays, and invite Guard families to speak in your classrooms.
Volunteers
Step into a role that matches your strengths
Whether you like organizing supplies or hanging out with campers, there’s a spot for you. Volunteers help with registration, activity stations, travel logistics, and more.
Tell us what you enjoy and when you’re available—we’ll match you with the right role.
“I signed up to help at one weekend camp and stayed all season. Watching Guard teens light up when they see familiar faces is the best part.”— Morgan, volunteer crew lead
Prefer to start with a quick question? Email us at iaarngcyp@gmail.com or call your local Soldier & Family Readiness Support Specialist—we’ll point you to the right shift.