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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (8/11/2012) — Fifty-six high
school students from around the country gathered here for the Marine
Corps' first Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy,
Aug. 6-10. The SLCDA is designed to teach the students valuable
leadership skills through instruction from experienced Marine
officers.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.-High school students participating in the Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy are briefed on their mission before going on patrol at the Basic School, Aug. 8,
2012. The SLCDA is a weeklong course designed to teach Marine Corps leadership skills, personal character and ethics to the next generation of leaders.
Photo by Dominic Hernandez |
“We're spreading the word about Marine Corps leadership,
character and ethics,” said Lt. Col. Erik Van Weezendonk,
reserve support officer, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “A
lot of these kids are already interested in becoming Marines
in the future. They're learning a lot about what it takes to
lead Marines and what it's like to be a Marine.”
The
week gave students an inside view of the Corps that few who
do not wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor can see. Each day
began with a physical training session, including modified
Marine Corps physical and combat fitness tests. Students
also received classroom instruction from Marines on subjects
such as leadership traits and skills, character and ethics
of leaders and war fighting tactics.
“I think the
leadership qualities are the most important thing you can
learn here,” said Luke Lierly, a high school junior from
Fresno, Calif. “You can learn a lot at [the SLCDA], even if
you don't want to become a Marine.”
Lierly, however,
wants to become a Marine. The son of a retired Marine
lieutenant colonel, he hopes to become a Marine officer
after college.
Though instruction was especially
important in accomplishing the objectives of the SLCDA, the
week was far from all work and no play.
The students
had the opportunity to visit Marine Helicopter Squadron One
(HMX-1), the squadron responsible for transporting the
President of the United States.
“The students had
the chance to climb aboard a static display helicopter and
to learn how an operational unit like HMX-1 works,” said Van
Weezendonk.
Students also had a chance to perform
community service in Stafford, Va., assisting Habitat for
Humanity with a housing project.
“I liked the
community service project,” said Kyle Younger, a high school
student from Fort Lewis, Wash. and the son and brother of
Marines. “It feels good to give back.”
The students
also had the chance to visit Washington, D.C. There they
stopped by George Washington University to learn about the
college admission process and different commissioning
programs offered by the Marine Corps, such as the Naval
Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program.
The
students finished off the week by viewing the Evening Parade
at Marine Barracks Washington.
“The whole week was
very fun. I learned a lot about leadership,” said Lierly. “I
would definitely recommend the camp to all my friends.”
Younger agreed with his assessment.
“This week
was awesome. I've never had an experience like this before.”
In addition to running the week's events, Marines also
kept parents updated on their sons and daughters progress
through pictures and videos posted to the SLCDA's Facebook
page.
“I am truly amazed of all the kids have done
in the short period of time that they have been there,”
commented parent Giap Lofgren.
By USMC Cpl. David Flynn
Marine Corps News
Copyright 2012
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