Rocket Kids

military and rocket kid with certificate

We Need You!

If you like working with children, the U.S. MILITARY NEEDS YOU! As a Rocket Kids intern, you will provide much needed child care to military families stationed overseas.  The Rocket Kids program provides one solution for the ever-present need for child care for military families.  read about the need for childcare workers in the article: "America's child care shortage is pushing military families to a breaking point."

 

Overview of Program

Rocket Kids is a newly-designed experiential learning program housed in the Judith Herb College of Education providing educational development and recreational programming to the United States Army’s children and youth in Europe. Rocket Kids interns are able to participate in a fall, spring or summer term and provide services to our U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Netherlands! If you are a U.S. citizen enrolled at a U.S. college or university, you may be eligible.  Don’t wait; apply today!  Participants can earn a Child and Youth Work in Global Settings Certificate from the Judith Herb College of Education.  Learn more about the requirements of the certificate program in the University Catalog.

                                       

 

 

Rocket Kids Interns VIPS

Who are Rocket kids?

Rocket Kids interns are U.S. college students, recent graduates, and professionals interested in working with children and serving the people who serve our country, providing services to U.S. military members’ children while experiencing the world.

Join a Rocket Kids program as a semester off, during a gap year, during summer, or after graduation.

 

 

 

 

Rocket Kids Benefits and More

  • rocket kids on playgroundBuild your resume
  • Gain experience with children and youth
  • Engage in a variety of cultural experiences in other countries
  • Housing, travel and living stipend provided
  • Earn college credit
  • Network with one of the largest employers, United States Military
  • Serve the families of United States Military 

What is Rocket Kids?

Rocket Kids is a service-learning organization that recruits and trains college students year-round to assist in child development and youth programs for military children and youth on Army bases throughout Europe.

What types of programs are offered?

Our spring and fall programs primarily serve the military Child Development Center programs, working with children aged 0-5. During the summer, students may also assist in Day Camp programs for kids aged 6-12, and middle school/teen programs for youth aged 13-18.

When would I need to be available to participate?

Our typical programs run for 10-12 weeks. We have groups of students departing in August, October, January, March, and June.

What are the benefits of Rocket Kids?you should be here germany

By participating in our program, you earn 12 credit hours (usually elective credits) with the cost of $500 tuition for your time during the summer or semester. Additionally, airfare and housing is provided, along with a living stipend of $25/day. It's a fantastic opportunity to travel to an exciting location, bolster your resume, and gain valuable hands-on experience with children and youth.

How much will this cost me?

The costs you'll incur typically range from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on whether you already possess certain requirements such as a passport and first aid and CPR certifications. Some costs are mandatory for all participants, including credit hours, uniform fees, and liability insurance.

Where do you go?

The majority of our programs are located in Germany, with select positions occasionally offered in Italy, Netherlands, and Belgium.

What kinds of certifications do I need to participate?

If you do not currently hold any certifications, you will need to be certified in CPR and First Aid for adults, infants, and children.

How do I become involved?

The first step is to fill out a general information form linked on this site. Afterward, you'll need to attend an interview, undergo a background check screening process, and participate in a staff development training program.rocket kids tabling

How do I contact Rocket Kids?

Email: rocketkids@utoledo.edu

Phone: 419.530.4431

Mailing Address
Rocket Kids
The University of Toledo
2801 W. Bancroft St., MS 963
Toledo, OH, 43606

 

UT News, November 25, 2024: Graduating Senior Takes Advantage of Study Abroad Program

Judith Herb College of Education, November 2024:  Daso-Herb Endowed Chair in International Experiences Appointed

UT Foundation Cornerstones, Fall 2024: Rocket Kids Take on the World

SDSU News, September 30, 2024: Successful launch: ‘Rocket Kids’ return from abroad with new perspective, passion

13 ABC, September 23, 2024: College Students Helping Military Families Abroad

UToledo News, August 21, 2024: Chemical Engineering Senior Explores World Through Rocket Kids

UToledo News, May 6, 2024:  Rocket Kids Triples Placements at U.S. Army Bases Abroad in Second Summer

Indiana State University, May 2, 2024: ISU students heading to Europe this summer

UToledo News, April 23, 2024: Dual Education and English Graduate Grateful for ‘Memorable’ Rocket Kids Experience

UToledo News, January 31, 2024: Rocket Kids Intern Follows Heart for Children to Disney Race Challenge

UToledo News, August 3, 2023: Senior Grateful for Life-Changing Trip Through Rocket Kids

UToledo Making Connections, March 2023: Crossing Borders to Engage Students in Unique Learning Experiences

The Blade, February 19, 2023: University of Toledo Students to Provide Child Care at U.S. Military Bases

NBC 24, February 17, 2023: College Students to Travel Overseas to Help Military Families

13 ABC, February 17, 2023: UToledo Receives $11 5 Million to Operate Rocket Kids Program

UToledo News February 16, 2023: $11.5 Million UToledo Program Sends Students Overseas to Serve U.S. Military Children

 How to Fuel Your Tomorrow as a Rocket Kid Intern

Rocket Kids training and singingEvery student accepted to be a part of Rocket Kids is enrolled in the Rocket Kids Staff Development Program.  Student placement is contingent upon acceptable completion of the Rocket Kids Staff Development Program.  The Rocket Kids Staff Development Program is a transformational learning experience focused on the child and youth development setting. Students learn Rocket Kids program values, leadership and program development skills, and knowledge associated with child and youth development.  Students gain practical experience in programming and leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts and drama, team and individual sports and athletics, adventure and outdoor recreation, STEM, and character education.  Every student learns the necessary skills to effectively guide children and youth on a daily basis. 

Rocket Kids is an affordable option for an international experience. The cost to participate in the program varies slightly for each student as the program costs are directly related to each students needs. For example, if a student already has a passport, there is no need to purchase a new passport. The average cost for a student participant is between $1,000 and $1,500.

Rockets Kids in airportExpenses are approximated below:

$515 Tuition for 12 credit hours (3 hours prior to departure and 9 hours while in the field)

$40 application fee for non-UToledo students 

$200 Uniform fees

$25 Fingerprinting and Background Check Process

$160 Travel Insurance

$190 Expedited U.S. Passport 

$100 Certification in Adult/Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED 

 

Rocky signs autographs

Applications are received through Rocket Kids and require a cover letter, employment history and relevant experience, and any current certifications (i.e., CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting, student teaching), references, and official transcripts.

 

Applicants will be screened to ensure they meet the following criteria:

  • must be at least 18 years old
  • must have United States citizenship
  • must have prior experience (employment or volunteer) working with children in a professional group setting
  • must have completed two full-time semesters at a college/university
  • must be in good standing with home university's student conduct office
  • must possess and maintain ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs., walk, bend, climb, stoop, and stand on a routine basis, both inside and outside, while being exposed to varied weather conditions
  • must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or better (4.0 scale) at a college/university that provides appropriate fields of study (i.e., early childhood education, recreation, youth development, education) or a field of study that relates to, and will achieve, the program’s objectives;

or

  • have completed undergraduate studies in the area of assigned responsibilities (i.e., early childhood education, sports, recreation, education, recreation therapy, crafts, special education, or social programming);

or

  • be a recent graduate (within 3 years) with a degree in the aforementioned areas or other related educational experience;

or

  • be a graduate student who is in a field of study that relates to, and will achieve, the Rocket Kids program’s goals and objectives.

Final acceptance is determined based on favorable state, federal and student conduct record checks.


 

Rocket Kids in the field

Rocket Kids interns are admitted to The University of Toledo and Judith Herb College of Education's Child and Youth Work in Global Settings Certificate program. This certificate requires successful completion of 3 courses:

EDU 1010 Leadership and Best Practices in Child and Youth Programming, 3 credits

EDU 1020 Studies in Child and Youth Learning and Development, 3 credits

EDU 1030 Practicum in Child Development Centers / Youth Services Forums, 6 credits

 

Rocket Kids reading and napping

Are you ready to Fuel Your Tomorrow?

Join Rocket Kids!

The steps below are a summary of the process to apply.  Once accepted, students will be provided detailed instructions on the paperwork process.

  1. Interest Form  
  2. Interview
  3. Application Step 1
  4. Apply as a guest to UToledo (if not a UToledo student)
  5. Paperwork Step 2
  6. Background Check Process
  7. Paperwork Step 3

 

Rocket Kids Recruiting

Where are Rocket Kids Interns Placed?

Rocket Kids interns are placed at U.S. military bases with groups of children based on age:   CDCs (Child Development Centers--for infants and children up to preschool age), SACs (School Age Care Centers--for kindergartners through fifth grade), and sixth graders and up.  Rocket Kids applicants may request to work with a preferred age group, but the final placement decisions are made by the Rocket Kids administrative team.

 

 

 

2023-2024 Rocket Kids


ROCKET KIDS Locations

Rocket Kids Locations

In 2023-2024, Rocket Kids interns were placed in nine locations in Europe.  As a Rocket Kids applicant, you can request a country, but final placements are made by the Rocket Kids administrative team.  Click the countries below to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Year-Round Opportunities

Rockets Kids programs run year-round.  There are five departure dates to suit your schedule.

Program

Departure Date

Return Date

Summer

early June

mid-August

Fall Session 1

mid-August

mid-October

Fall Session 2

mid-October

mid-December

Spring Session 1

early January

mid-March

Spring Session 2

mid-March

early June

 


Rocket Kids Mission

Rocket Kids Logo

The mission statement of Rocket Kids is "Fueling Your Tomorrow." This involves exploring one's creative possibilities and sparking intellectual curiosity.  

Rocket Kids enable college and university students to "fuel their tomorrows" by participating as interns in recreational youth work programs designed to aid in the healthy development of children.

 

Request a Dynamic Presentation

Rocket Kids Tabling

If you would like our team to give a presentation on the Rocket Kids experience, please complete the Rocket Kids Presentations Form.


My Experience

 

Emma Swanbeck

Businesss Administration, The University of Toledo

I’ve been obsessed with Europe since I was a kid, the Eiffel Tower, The Austrian National Library, everything about Europe. Sometimes life and your dreams don’t align perfectly; it takes money, planning, and time that you may not have. Rocket Kids might be the only chance for me to see all Europe has to offer. I spent a little under three months traveling, teaching, learning, and growing. I’ll never forget this experience no matter where life takes me. Take the chance, you could be missing out of the adventure of a lifetime.

 

Jacky Diaz Romero

Indiana State University

Living and working in Europe was one of the best experiences ever! I learned a lot about myself and grew a lot as a person too, all while getting to do something that I’m really passionate about. I also met some of my now best friends along the way. Rocket Kids gave me so much more than just a volunteer experience to put on my resume!

 

Hannah Post 

Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, The University of Toledo

Rocket Kids has single handedly changed my life. This spans from academic knowledge, educational experience, to cultural awareness. This program has challenged me as a future educator and as an individual in ways that I never knew were possible. Rocket Kids is a program that allows ample amounts of growth, development and discovery in those areas through working with the children in the centers all the way to being humbled by Germans on public transportation trying to get to your favorite destination. I was able to learn new ways to connect with children and support them through their specific needs, while also learning the same aspects of relationship development with my peers! Through this program I have been able to learn and see so many new things about the world and about myself that I will hold onto for a lifetime!

 

 

Kenyata Stevenson

Bachelor of Arts, Literature, The University of Toledo

Rockets are you ready?! 

I wasn’t.

I was not ready for how Rocket Kids would evolve my life and grow my love for working with kids. I had one of the best summers of my life working with the teenagers  in Brussels, Belgium. This program has given me so many opportunities to be great and spread love to others and I cannot wait to continue doing so while watching this program grow. Go Rockets! 

 

Brooke Bobowski

The University of Toledo

Rocket Kids provided me the opportunity of a lifetime to spend the summer with some spectacular kids. Simultaneously, I was able to travel to dream destinations throughout Europe and explore the world. I also wanted to be involved with the amazing community that wants to give back to those who serve our country. Being a part of a service that aids in assisting our soldiers and their families is one of the most rewarding parts about the summer as I think back on my experience.

 

Marysa King

Bachelor of Education, Middle Childhood Education, The University of Toledo

Rocket Kids has been life-changing for me. This program allowed me to pursue my greatest passion of working with kids while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Rocket Kids offers a unique opportunity to work with children and give back to those who serve our country and their families. But, it doesn’t stop there. With Rocket Kids, you explore new horizons, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and embark on a journey of self-discovery unlike any other. The memories from the adventures I went on will forever live in my heart. From the busy cities to the tranquil corners of the world, my entire summer was filled with wonder and excitement. The Rocket Kids program is dedicated to making a positive impact, one adventure at a time. It has been amazing to see so many people’s dreams become a reality through this program.” 

Last Updated: 2/3/25