Month of the Military Child
Go Purple in April
Half of all Scouts registered in the Transatlantic Council are directly connected with the military. Military families move every two to three years on average, and military children change schools an average of six to nine times from the start of kindergarten to their high school graduation. This year an estimated 30 percent of military service members will move to a new installation.
The Month of the Military Child (MOMC) honors the invaluable contributions of military children, who serve our country as part of military families, not just in April, but every day of the year. Founded over 75 years ago to support Army dependents in Germany and Austria, our Council has expanded its reach. Our commitment to supporting military-connected Scouts within our footprint remains unwavering. These remarkable Scouts face unique challenges and celebrate incredible triumphs. While each journey is unique, our military-connected Scouts share a common bond formed in the Transatlantic Council through their service and their Scouting experiences.
Let’s take time to recognize and celebrate the military children in the Transatlantic Council. Embrace their global perspectives, and foster the connections that help create a strong, supportive community.
MOMC Council Shoulder Patch and Lodge Flap
To commemorate this year’s Month of the Military Child (MOMC), the Transatlantic Council is offering a limited-edition Council Shoulder Patch, and the Black Eagle Lodge has created a special lodge flap.
Both patches proudly feature the dandelion, the official flower of the military child which embodies resilience, adaptability, and the unique ability to put down roots and thrive anywhere the wind carries it. Proceeds from the lodge flap will support the Registration Assistance Fund, helping ensure that every youth has the opportunity to participate in Scouting. Show your support for our resilient military youth by adding these meaningful patches to your collection!
Purple Up Day
Wear purple on a special day to celebrate military kids! Purple has been chosen to represent all service branches, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Veterans. It blends each branch’s colors: the Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard’s blues, the Army’s green, and the Marines’ red.
The Transatlantic Council and the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) celebrate its worldwide Purple Up Day on April 15, 2026 – but it’s always a good day to Purple Up!
Recognition Items to Download and Print
Hashtags to Help Spread the Word
Use #TACScouting, #MOMC, and #MonthoftheMilitaryChild in your online media posts in April, and #PurpleUp for promotion and celebration of your unit’s, community’s or district’s Purple Up Day.
