2026_08_13 Military Kids Fest

Celebrate Summer with Brushwood Center's At Ease Program and enjoy art, music, activities, games, and nature with other members of the Military Community! In collaboration with Kids Rank, Veteran Art Tribe and other veteran organizations. Brushwood's second annual Military Kids Fest offers an open house with art, exploration, and fun.

Join us for:

• Nature Acrylic Painting with Veteran Art Tribe
• Children's Yoga led by Christine Lopez
• Information and resource tables from:
  • Brushwood Center
  • National Museum of the American Sailor
  • Kids Rank
• Outdoor games, snacks, art activities, and more!

Please note, that this event is for Veterans, current service members, and their families only.

Contact Jessica Klinge at jklinge@brushwoodcenter.org if you have questions or concerns.

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Partner and Partner Description:
Veteran Art Tribe: www.veteranarttribe.com
Mission: A tribe of artists who are also U.S. military veterans dedicated to supporting opportunities for veterans to create and interact with various art and expressive modalities. Whether our veterans are using creativity as a therapeutic focus or as a full-time occupation, Veteran Art Tribe looks to provide awareness, access, agency, and exposure within the art community.

Instructor: Anna Nothnagel

Description: Join us for a fun and relaxing time with a nature-themed acrylic painting session!

Kids Rank: www.kidsrank.org
Mission: We are on a mission to create a sense of stability and belonging for military kids wherever they go, integrating them into their neighborhoods and developing them as future leaders in their communities.

Description: Resource table and table activity game.

Brushwood Center: www.brushwoodcenter.org 
Description: Check out our resource table and table activity game and join us for a nature trail walk and outdoor games.

Blue Star Families: https://bluestarfam.org/

Description: Visit a resource table to learn how Blue Star Families empowers families as they serve.

National Museum of the American Sailor: https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmas.html

Description: Learn about the Museum at a resource table. 

American Legion Gurnee Auxillary: https://www.gurneeamericanlegion.org

Mission: American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) members and volunteers step up to advance our mission of service to veterans, military and their families! We partner with the Gurnee American Legion Post 771.

Kirsten Saunders: https://kirsten-pottery.square.site/

Description: Enjoy fun, vibrant and colorful face painting designs by artist Kirsten Saunders.