Ideas for Kids

Contest Deadlines are Almost Here!

Kid Vid Contest  Deadline:           Monday April 15, 2013 Cash Prizes:       $1,000 to be split among winners Age/Eligibility:   Open to FS Youth of all ages at Overseas Posts Kid Vids (Post Videos Created by Youth) are a valuable resource for the Foreign Service kids and families because they help children envision and anticipate what their life might look like at a particular post.  Please consider adding to the Kid Vid resource library at FSI's Transition Center by creating a Kid Video about your Post! For Rules, go to:  Kid Vid Rules administered by FSI's Transition Center sponsored by FSYF and Peake Property Management FSYF / SDFCU Art Contest Deadline:             Friday April 19, 2013 Theme:                The World is My Hometown Size & Format:     flat art forms no larger than 22" x 28" Age Categories:   5-8 years old; 9-12 years old; 13-18 years old Fee:                      Free to FSYF Members.  $20 entry fee for non-members Cash Prizes:         In each age category, 1st place = $500,                                                         2nd place =  $250, 3rd place = $100 For Rules & Guidelines, go to: Art Contest Rules For Entry Form go to: www.fsyf.org sponsored by the State Department Federal Credit Union FSYF / McGrath Essay Contest Deadline:    Friday April 19, 2013 Topic:          'How is a foreign service child's 'sense of home' affected or                        shaped by the itinerant life and prolonged immersion in                                different languages, cultures, and environments? Ages:          Middle School and High School Categories                 Fee:            Entry is free to FSYF Members. $20 entry fee for non-members Prizes:         High School Places: 1st = $800; 2nd = $500  3rd = $300                                Middle School Places:  1st = $500; 2nd = $300  3rd = $150  For Essay Contest Guidelines, go to:  Essay Contest Guidelines For Essay Contest Entry Form, go to:  www.fsyf.org sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Services FSYF / Clements Community Service Award Deadline:  Friday April 19, 2013 Ages:         Open to FS children of all ages Fee:           Entry is free to FSYF Members.  $20 entry fee for non-members Prizes:       2 awards of $1500 savings bond or $750 cash equivalent For Nomination Form and Guidelines, go to:  www.fsyf.org For more details, go to:  Community Service Award flyer sponsored by Clements Worldwide Newsletter Contributors Wanted! Adult Contributors Wanted for Spring Issue of Parent Newsletter  'Around the World'   Contributions Due:   Monday April 22, 2013. FSYF seeks adult contributions on topics that affect Foreign Service families, including:  Education Technology Foreign Service Life Youth Achievement Parenting information on useful blogs, youth opportunities, family resources With questions or to contribute, contact us at fsyf@fsyf.org   sponsored by Peake Property Management  Youth Contributors Wanted for Spring Issue of FSYF Youth Newsletter  'Here, There & Everywhere'  Contributions Due:       Monday May 6, 2013 Topics:      We would like to receive submissions about:  your Post,  life as an FS Youth,                                                       and, because summer is approaching, consider topics about  moving,                       keeping in touch with friends,  transitions,  summer activities.... We accept contributions of all genres including, but not limited to: reports interviews and profiles comic strip riddles word puzzles poetry recipes from Post tips about moving to your post, school advice columns etc etc Benefits of Participating: Contribute for chance to win $30 Amazon Gift Card  (last issue's winner was Sloan Valen of Vancouver) practice taking risks build your resume provide your peers with useful information Share Your Talents and Inspire Your Peers Improve your writing and artistic skills Foreign Service kids of all ages and in all locations are welcome to contribute. However, we would particularly love to see teens participate more.   We welcome photos to accompany your reports & photos of contributors.... sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Services Internships & Scholarship Opportunities AAFSW $2,000 College Scholarship  Entry Deadline:  Tuesday, April 2, 2013 for forms and guidelines, go to:  www.aafsw.org Internship at Department of Commerce 'Green Store' seeking intern to open, promote and manage 'Green Store' Green Store is store of free, used but still usable office supplies hours and days are flexible and convenient be on the cutting edge of new and innovative concept build your resume Interested?  Contact gogreen@doc.gov FSYF seeks Graphic Designer for Quarterly Youth Newsletter  FSYF seeks graphic designer to create Youth Newsletter  Build Your Resume! Work from anywhere! Need to have your own software (e.g. Publisher, Pages, etc) Be prepared to show samples of your work Interested?  Contact Jennifer Odlum at fsyf@fsyf.org With Questions or Contributions, Contact: fsyf@fsyf.org

About town

Professional Development Fellowships Available from FLO

FLO is now accepting applications for the 2014 Professional Development Fellowship (PDF) program. The PDF program is open to adult spouses and partners of direct-hire U.S. government employees from all agencies serving overseas under Chief of Mission Authority.  The PDF program is designed to assist spouses and partners to maintain, enhance, and/or develop their professional skills. SUBJECT TO BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS, awards of up to $2,500 will be granted on a reimbursable basis for enrichment activities. Selected applicants must fund a minimum of 25 percent of the allowed reimbursable cost of the
proposed activities while the Fellowship award will cover the additional allowed reimbursable cost up to the $2,500 maximum. Activities can include, but are not limited to, continuing education and distance learning through an accredited university, professional development, and participation in professional conferences. After activities are completed, the selectee will submit the necessary documents to support the reimbursement request and will be reimbursed accordingly.  Application deadline is May 15, 2013.
For detailed guidelines and the 2014 PDF application form, go to: www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21642.htm.
For questions or more information, email: FLOAskFellowship2014@state.gov.

MHN workshop on Reintegration

The Ten Top Immediate Reentry Challenges for the employee

                                  (taken from MHN's reintegration participant handbook)

1.  Boredom- the excitements and challenges of the UT are gone
2.  No one wants to hear about your experiences
3.  Difficult to explain the UT experience
4.  Reverse home sickness
5.  Relationships have changed
6.  You have changed & people aren't happy about it
7.  People misunderstand your words and actions
8.  Feelings of alienation
9.  Inability to apply new knowledge and skills
10.  Compartmentalization and loss of experience
                                                                                     
                                                                                     

Agree?   Disagree? 

For a copy of the handbook write us at FLOaskUT@state.gov

Want to learn more?
Visit our webpage at http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c14521.htm

Foreign Service Kids

FSYF Winter 2013 Youth Newsletter Now Online Hear what Foreign Service kids around the world have to say about where they are living and what they are doing. Read the Winter 2013 Foreign Service Youth Newsletter for teens: “Here, There, and Everywhere.” In this issue: find thoughtful poetry from Kinshasa and Falls Church; learn how to make a Russian blini and start experimenting in your kitchen; find out what makes Mexico City and Reykjavik special; test your knowledge of Poland with a fun crossword puzzle, and discover what TV show and book your fellow FS kids are watching and recommending.

Foreign Service kids of all ages and in all locations are welcome to contribute, share their talents and earn a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift certificate.

Visit www.fsyf.org

Musings

Employment opportunity in FLO

Family members returning to the Washington area may be interested in applying for the available full-time Division Chief (Supervisory Family Liaison Specialist—GS-14) position in the Family Liaison Office (FLO).

This position provides supervisory management of FLO personnel and programs, as well as policy guidance, program development and outreach, and liaison on advocacy issues. In addition to supervising staff and prioritizing work, the incumbent in this position also assists the FLO Director with FLO’s advocacy agenda, manages the FLO budget, and performs outreach on behalf of FLO in the Department, with other agencies, and at missions overseas.

This is a two-year limited appointment, with potential to be extended up to a maximum of five years (Excepted Service, Schedule A—not in the Competitive Service). The selected candidate will receive a two-year non-career term appointment with benefits (FERS, TSP, FEGLI, and FEHB). More than one candidate may be selected from the vacancy announcement. This position reports to the Director of FLO.

The application deadline is March 21, 2013.

For details and application instructions, visit FLO’s website at www.state.gov/documents/organization/206069.pdf

Musings...

Unaccompanied but not Alone!

Are you aware of all the resources, support and knowledge available to you?

Take a moment to look over FLO's website http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c14521.htm  .  

A little of what you will find on the site....

If you are considering an unaccompanied tour you might want to download The Decision Tree.  It will help you decide where to live and tell you about some of the benefits and allowances.

Be sure and fill out a Contact Form.    We do not receive a list of employees or family members on an unaccompanied tour so we won't know to send you information unless YOU contact us.

Do you have children?  Does your spouse work for Department of State, US AID, Commerce, or Agriculture?  You might want to consider nominating them for a Medal of Recognition.

Tip from the Field

Recently FLO received the following tip:

Hi FLO--

We are currently waiting for my husband to return from Afghanistan...about 50 more days and his year will be finished.  

I saw a friend whose husband is in the military with these "hug a hero" dolls that have a picture of her husband on them, and her twin girls each had one to carry around.  I am a mother of three young girls, and this is something that would priceless for the State Dept. to employ.  http://www.operationhugahero.org/tag/free-hug-a-hero-dolls/

There is also another military idea of making life-size posters of the service parent to put on the wall in the house...that would be a great thing as well.

Thanks for thinking of adding something like this for UT families.  The children really need reminders and something physical they can see and hold.

Things you might want to know......

Scholarships

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for AFSA’s college scholarships for the 2013-14 academic year. AFSA is offering merit awards for seniors for accomplishments in the arts and academics, as well as need-based college scholarships for undergraduate study. The deadline to apply for the Merit Awards is February 6, 2013, and March 6, 2013 for the Financial Aid Scholarships. Students apply online and can track their application status.

Note: AFSA scholarships and awards are now a benefit of AFSA membership so only tax-dependent children of AFSA members who are/were Foreign Service employees are eligible to apply.

Visit www.afsa.org/scholar  for complete details.

Careers/jobs

The State Department has announced the 2013 Open Season for the Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP). The program offers Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) whose employee sponsors have overseas assignments of at least one year an opportunity to fill professional-level, full-time positions that are open “Now” and through “Summer 2013.” EPAP is now managed by FLO. 

There are two parts and deadlines to the EPAP application process: 

                                     1) Business writing test must be completed by February 28, 2013.

                                     2) Full application package is due by March 22, 2013.  

Check FLO’s Internet website  for details about the program, the writing test and the application package requirements. For more info e-mail ApplyProfAssoc@state.gov

Unaccompanied Tour Reception & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 30
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The State Room at Oakwood
501 Roosevelt Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22044
(Organized by FLO – with support from AAFSW)

Come early and hear from the Director General
Stay for the resource fair

Learn about resources to support you and your family before, during and after an unaccompanied tour:

Ø FLO (UT program support)

Ø FSI Transition Center/OBC (classes, resource materials)

Ø HR Benefits (such as Travel of Children of Separated Families)

Ø AAFSW (community support, online groups)

Ø State Department Federal Credit Union

Children and all family members are welcome!

For more information, contact FLO:  FLOaskUT@state.gov

Save the Date!

January 30, 2013

6:30 p.m.

Oakwood Apartments

Falls Church, VA

Unaccompanied Tours Reception & Resource Fair

February 1, 2013

MHN/FLO orientation telephone conference

Dial in or attend in-person

For more information on these events please contact FLOaskUT@state.gov

Musing...

 Home (or maybe not) for the Holidays

Q: My spouse will be staying at post during the holiday season. This is the first time we’ve been separated. What can I do to manage this stress and not feel so alone?

A: Holidays can be stressful in general and being separated from a loved one during this time can be especially difficult. Technology has made communicating easier, but it does not replace having your loved one physically with you during the holidays. There are lots of tips on the internet for ways to manage a separation during the holidays. Try using a search engine to enter phrases containing words like “single” or “separated” “holiday” (or enter a specific holiday you celebrate). Read through some articles on MHN’s website (visit www.members.mhn.com and use ‘unaccompaniedtour’ as the company code) on topics such as tips to control stress and staying connected to your family. Here are a few more tips:

• Spend time with friends and family
• Share holiday plans with your loved one and find out what he/she will be doing
• Find ways to retain traditions and important holiday experiences
• Host or help host an event
• Have friends and family record a holiday message and send the CD to your loved one
• Send a care package (make sure to allow plenty of time for delivery) before the holiday with things like festive decorations or cookies (but keep the eggnog out!)
• Budget accordingly
• Start shopping early for presents that you intend to mail
• Take pictures/videos or use a webcam to share your experiences
• Help others – volunteer at a soup kitchen or to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a shelter
• Remember, a holiday is only a date – who says you can’t celebrate Christmas in February?
• Take time for and take care of yourself – do something you enjoy, keep up with exercise, and make sure to get plenty of rest
• Know you’re limits and don’t try to take on too much
• Share your tips with others on the HomeFrontUS Yahoo group (join, if you’re not already on HomefrontUS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com)
• If you need help, seek it!

recipes

Yummy :)  Kathryn was kind enough to share a  delicious no bake recipe with us!   Just in time for the holidays.....

Oreo No-Bake Truffles

Ingredients

• 1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
• 5 oz cream cheese (you may add up to 8 oz, I just like the consistency best with 5 oz.)
• White dipping chocolate (I use Ghirardelli)

Instructions

1. Chop Oreos up finely in a food processor. Save some of the finely crushed Oreos for garnish later and set it aside. You don't need too much.
2. With hands (or a spoon, I just think hands are faster), mash softened cream cheese and crushed Oreos until well combined.
3. Roll into 1" balls and place on a wax covered cookie sheet. Put in freezer for 15 minutes.
4. While balls are in freezer, melt chocolate according to directions.
5. Pull the Oreo Truffles out of freezer, and dip into chocolate. Garnish with reserved Oreo crumbs before the chocolate sets up.
6. Let chocolate set, refrigerate and enjoy!

Upcoming events!

Attention all family members of employees serving at unaccompanied posts!

If you are in the Washington D.C. area, or are planning a trip to the area, please mark your calendars and plan to attend this fun event! 

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, will host Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays, a reception for family members of unaccompanied tour employees on Tuesday, December 18th at the Department of State from 4-5:30 p.m. EST. 

If you are interested in attending and would like an invitation please write FLOaskUT@state.gov

Have you heard...

Recently a UT spouse was kind enough to share the information below.  Thank you for sharing! If you have a good idea, suggestion or thought please share at FLOaskUT@state.gov .  We will post it for you.  REMEMBER we do not endorse, we just share thoughts!  Be kind, respect others..... 

Alpine Hideaway

                 Steele’s Tavern Manor B&B

                                                    Melissa & Ray Alexander

Alpine Hideaway Cottages

www.alpinehideaway.com

stay@alpinehideaway.com

800-895-6121

Almost right after my husband left for Pakistan, I made an immediate search to find a close by “retreat”/B&B/romantic getaway destination for his first R&R – or as I would like to refer to it as our R&R because it was just as important for me to get away as it was for him.

As luck would have it, I found the Alpine Hideaway cottages in Steeles Tavern, Va. – right on the edge of the Shenandoah.

They are owned by Melissa and Ray Alexander, proprietors of Steele’s Tavern Manor B&B, which is also a lovely place to stay.

But I wanted the exclusivity of the cabins.

We stayed at The Pond cabin – our deck hot tub overlooked the pond. It was totally quiet and we were totally by ourselves – except for the cows in the distant field and a little stray cat that was very cute.

Apparently, you can fish in the pond which is fed by local streams.

Some of the other options offered which we took advantage of were;

*Couples massage (first night there)

*Dinner prepared in your cabin by a local caterer (2^nd night) – 3, 4, or 5 course dinners offered – we chose the 4 course and we were stuffed!! They also give you complimentary flowers and vase and a framed menu of your dinner.

*Breakfast on the last day at the manor – the cottage has its own kitchen and gas grill so you don’t have to do anything at the manor if you don’t want to. But Melissa prepared a fantastic breakfast – we were definitely stuffed after the dinner and the breakfast – but it was excellent fare!!

Parenting

The two recent “Parenting During an Unaccompanied Tour” tele conferences generated excellent comments and participation from more than 30 different individuals calling in from all over the world!  Thank you for your support! 

 Below is a compilation of suggestions and tips presented by your fellow colleagues and family members during the sessions.  Please remember, these are suggestions; choose the ones that work best for you.

• ·         Use a globe of the world to show where mommy/daddy is staying
• ·         Use FaceTime, Skype or other communication means for frequent calling
• ·         Have the parent that is away hold the camera or take pictures of their new living arrangements
• ·         Create a family web page/blog
• ·         Make a photo book and mail it.  This can work for either parent
• ·         For serious questions set up a specific time to talk.
• ·         Make a big deal about reunions!  Make countdown signs.
• ·         Splurge a little--the parent staying with children arranges special dinners and weekends away with them
• ·         The parent that has been gone arranges special “date time” with the child when everyone is united, during R&R and at the end of the tour
• ·         Read with your children the books When Mommy Travels or When Daddy Travels  by Harriet Ziefert 
• 
  

Successful parenting can be a challenge for any family but it is usually more difficult when one parent is not only absent but also in a dangerous location.  To address the issues families face during an unaccompanied tour, FLO is offering an interactive workshop, “Parenting during an Unaccompanied Tour”.  Thursday October 11 at 9 a.m. EST.  You may participate in person (Department of State, room 1239) or virtually.

To participate virtually:

1.       Dial toll-free 1-800-531-3250 on a US-based phone line or non-toll-free 1-303-928-2693

2.       Enter 9690198 for the Conference Code

Please direct questions to FLO's Unaccompanied Tours Support Team at 202-647-1076 or 1-800-440-0397 or email FLOaskUT@state.gov.

Below are some of the ideas and suggestions from past sessions:

·         Use indirect questioning to allow children the opportunity to talk

·         Have small children use stuffed toys to act out their feelings

·         Play manicurist and mother/father paints nails while asking questions

·         Teens – may take them an hour to ‘warm up’; ask them “what do your friends think?”

·         Let children’s teachers know what’s going on

·         If you have employee’s cell phone or other number, make sure kids know that it’s for emergencies only; set time limits on using phone; if kids want to ‘vent’ or complain about parent at home, encourage them to email absent parent instead of picking up the phone.  (Good advice for adults too!)  That way you won’t say something you regret.

Effective communication strategies and mechanisms     

§  Use Skype, YouTube, phone, web, Face Book

§  Watch the same TV shows or read same book/magazine

§  Download the same music, videos, photos, etc                                                 

§  Have the child write to the parent; parent keeps letters and puts in a letter box to give to the child at end of tour

§  Parent at post brings pre-stamped post cards to post

§  Create your own postcards-you can buy blank postcards and decorate them

§  USPS has site to make photo postcards: http://www.usps.com/createmail/welcome.htm

Communication Tips During a UT

Communication Tips for Unaccompanied Tours

By Margaret 

Communicating during a UT can sometimes be a challenge.  Uncontrollable factors such as time differences, work and other commitments that require time and attention, and power outages (just to name a few) can really impact our ability to communicate with our loved ones serving abroad.  Because communication is important and sometimes limited, we must make sure that we make every second count when we do get the opportunity to communicate. The following are some tips for communicating during a UT:

1.    Keeping it in perspective.  Understand that what may seem urgent to you back here on the home front may not seem as urgent to your loved one who is serving on a UT.  Therefore, if you share an issue with your loved one and do not receive a response that you like, don’t take it personally.  Nine times out of ten, your spouse may be dealing with issues that are far more urgent than those that are going on at home.  However, rest assured that this does not mean that he/she is not concerned about your issue.  Keep things in perspective, and don’t waste valuable time on the phone, Skype, etc. complaining about issues that are really out of your spouse’s control.  Instead, value the time that you have to communicate with one another, and try to focus on the positive.

2.    Keep it creative.  Oftentimes, long distance communication with your loved one can become routine, boring, and limited. While modern technology has made it easy to communicate with our loved ones who are away, sometimes it may be worthwhile to revert back to “snail mail” for a change.  Instead of using the telephone or Skype, try writing a love letter to your spouse. Can you imagine how happy he/she will be to receive a thoughtful, hand-written love letter? If writing is not your thing, simply send a care package with items that communicate “I love you” such as a CD with a mixture of love songs, a book of poems, or a collage of pictures that illustrate “love.” 

3.    Keep FLO/UT in mind in times of uncertainty.  Uncontrollable factors such as power outages, civil unrest, and long work hours may sometimes make it impossible for your loved one serving on a UT to communicate with you.   If you have not heard from your loved one and are concerned about whether or not he/she is okay, please do not hesitate to contact FLO/UT with your concerns.  We are here for you!

4 Tips for a Successful Unaccompanied Tour

4 Tips for a successful Unaccompanied Tour

By Sherri 

1. Take care of yourself.     Remember you can’t help your loved one if you are sick or emotionally drained.  Take the time to eat right, sleep and give yourself the occasional break; you deserve it!

Resources the State Department offers to DOS, USAID, and their family members:

·         Deployment Stress Management Program (DSMP) is located in Mental Health Services within the Office of Medical Services.  The DSMP is a community based program to support the psychological health of Foreign Service Officers, Department of State (DoS) and USAID employees, and their families who are or will be assigned to high stress / high threat / unaccompanied tours (HS/HT/UT).  The DSMP provides information, referrals, initial assessment, and brief treatment for problems related to the stress of deployment.  They offer a support group meeting twice a month in the Department of State and meditation practice. For more information, visit www.state.gov/m/med/dsmp/index.htm  

·         Employee Consultation Service (ECS) has a staff of psychiatric social workers.  They offer consultation, evaluation, and referral services to families of U.S. government employees assigned to diplomatic posts abroad and to employees and family members on an unaccompanied tour.  Walk-ins are welcome, or you may schedule an appointment.  For more information www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21952.htm

·         MHN, Inc. is a comprehensive mental and behavioral health services company with extensive experience in providing confidential web-based, telephonic, and in-person resources to employees and family members throughout an unaccompanied tour.   Log on with the word (single word lower case) unaccompaniedtour in the company code https://members.mhn.com/external/public/default/homepage 

Other places to look:

·         The Integrative Restoration Institute (IRI) provides programs that show you how to live a contented life, free of conflict and fear, by opening your mind and body to its inherent ground of health and well-being: www.irest.us

·         Authentic Happiness is the homepage of Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of positive psychology, a branch of psychology that focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions.  www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx

2. Be organized.   Whether you are getting ready to leave for the first time or getting ready for the final R&R, it is always a good idea to look at, use, and make check lists. Times of transition (whether it be going to or coming from Post) can be very stressful.  And, stressful situations can sometimes cause us to be forgetful (amongst other things).  This is where those lists become very important for you and your family; they help you to remember!

·         Write FLO!  We have a number of good lists we can forward to you. FLOaskUT@state.gov

·         Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) helps U.S. Government employees and their family members prepare for an overseas assignment or a return home.  We encourage you to explore the  website and email OBC (FSIOBCInfoCenter@state.gov) with questions and requests for additional information www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c49333.htm 

3. Think security. Your home, your car, your personal safety and your virtual presence all need extra care.

·         Create good passwords and change them often.  Use sites like USAA’s Password Strength Indicator to see how strong your password is.  www.usaa.com/inet/pages/security_take_steps_protect_logon?action=INIT&wa_ref=SEC_CTR_YourSec_logon_CyberCodeText&SearchRanking=7&SearchLinkPhrase=password

·          Wondering about an offer and can’t get in touch with your partner for advice?  Use www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com   for advice.

·         Look at State Department Federal Credit Union on their tips for the Foreign Service www.sdfcu.org/ForeignServiceCenter

4.  Cultivate appreciation.  Take time to appreciate the little things!  Appreciate the sacrifice your loved one is making for you and for the service of this country.  Appreciate all the hard work your family is doing while you are away doing an unaccompanied tour.  Tell your loved one how much you appreciate them!   Brag about them to others and let your loved one overhear!  Write words of appreciation in your e-mails and other communications.  Remember the words of Voltaire: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing.  It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”