As a military mom, I’ve seen firsthand how starting at a new school can feel like an adventure for my child. He shared with me, “Going to a new school is an awesome experience; making new friends and learning about other people is like a new adventure such as walking through the school hallways, figuring out where my classes are, and knowing the new school rules and new subjects has been exciting.”
For many military kids, this experience is all too familiar. By the time they graduate high school, they have often moved 6-9 times. Adapting to a new school with different cultures and social norms can feel daunting, but it can also be exciting.

Encouraging positive social interactions is key to helping military children engage in their new school and classroom environment. “Back to School Bingo” offers a fun and engaging way for military kids to explore their new school campus and connect with classmates, turning what might be a daunting experience into a memorable one. These early days of school should be enjoyable and meaningful, inspiring a positive and growth-oriented mindset in your military child.

Crafting Your “Back to School Bingo”

Bingo Card Setup:

Let’s start by building connections! Involve your military child in creating a bingo card filled with achievable goals. Each square can contain a task that fosters connection, such as “Make a new friend whose sibling or parent is in the military,” “Meet someone who speaks another language,” or “Find a classmate who loves math.” The goal is to fill up rows, or even the entire bingo card, with these social bonding challenges. Below is an example of a Back-to-School Bingo card:

Tools & Resources:

For tech-savvy military families, several apps and online tools are available to customize and personalize bingo cards. Websites like Canva or Made With Happy offer easy-to-use platforms to design and print your bingo cards. If you prefer a ready-made design, graphic designers on Etsy can create and sell personalized bingo cards that reflect your desired style and ideas.

Fun Activities to Include on the Bingo Card

School Scavenger Hunt:

Turn the new school experience into an exciting scavenger hunt! Include tasks like ‘Find the school’s or national flag pole,’ ‘Locate the computer and science labs,’ or ‘Discover the school cafeteria.’ This helps kids get familiar with their new environment while making the process enjoyable and engaging.

Social Goals:

Being the new kid can be intimidating, but it can also be fun when it’s gamified! Include tasks like ‘Smile at everyone you see,’ ‘Talk to someone new,’ or ‘Lend a helping hand to someone in need.’ These social interactions not only make the experience more enjoyable but also help your child feel more connected to their peers.

Classroom Challenges:

The classroom can be an adventure in itself, from discovering new lessons to engaging with classroom activities. Include tasks like raising a hand to answer a question, asking a question for more insight, or offering to help the teacher with a classroom task. These activities build self-esteem, encourage active participation, and help your child feel more at home in their new classroom.

Encouraging Participation

Rewards System:

To keep the excitement going, consider implementing a rewards system. For example, completing a row on the bingo card could earn a small prize like a gift card, cash, or a favorite snack. Finishing the entire card might result in a fun weekend activity, like a trip to a local park or a movie with a new friend. The combination of gamification and rewards can boost your child’s confidence and strengthen your relationship.

Family Involvement:

Get the whole family involved by creating their bingo cards or supporting your school-aged child. Celebrate together after each completed row and come up with different ways to recognize their accomplishments during the first week of school.

Turning the first week of school into a fun and engaging game can transform the experience of being the new kid into a memorable adventure. With “Back to School Bingo,” every day becomes an opportunity to learn, discover, and make lasting connections.

A Day to Remember: ASYMCA Back-to-School Event

The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) recently hosted a vibrant back-to-school event that brought military families together for a day filled with excitement, health, and wellness. With enthusiastic community support, the event buzzed with energy as children left with brand-new school supplies and backpacks, ready to face the school year with confidence.

But this event was about more than just supplies — it was about fostering a sense of community and belonging. The ASYMCA, with its deep understanding of military life, created an atmosphere of warmth and support, ensuring every child felt prepared and excited for the new school year. Through events like this, ASYMCA helps military kids adjust to new surroundings, providing the essential comfort and connection they need during PCS transitions and beyond.

Embracing New Beginnings Together

In the end, whether it’s through fun activities like “Back to School Bingo” or supportive events like the ASYMCA’s back-to-school giveaway, it’s all about ensuring our military children feel confident, connected, and ready to succeed in their new environments. By providing these experiences, we empower them to embrace each new adventure with enthusiasm and resilience, knowing they have a community that supports them every step of the way.

Find My Local Branch