Progam

For the last three years, I have been involved with the Young Marines Program. The program is an excellent program for youths aged 8 to 18.

The program instills discipline and value in today's American youths. The

staff members teach the children about drug prevention and the effects of drugs on the

body. The children also learn drill, Military history, customs and

courtesies. Physical training like running, push-ups, sit-ups and the long

jump is also part of the curriculum.

Recently, the male staff took the young men of the unit to visit the

correctional facility to talk with the inmates. The boys were so shocked at

how small the cells were and the conditions the inmates had to live in.

They came home and talked with their parents about the outing. The boys

told them that they were not going to end up in there.

What our inner city youths need is to see first hand how their decisions can

determine their future. During the summer months the children have the

opportunity to attend some summer programs. Space Camp,

Civil War Camp and Revolutionary War Camp are some of their choices.

The children go away for a week to attend these camps. They are so excited

when they return, especially the youth that attend the Leadership Schools.

They are ready to come back and show the other children what they had

learned. The children also have the do volunteer work like helping out at

nursing homes or helping to paint a neighborhood school. Since we are a nonprofit organization, we rely on fundraisers for our funding. Some of the fundraisers we have are car washes and selling donuts, cookies and pizza.

I enrolled my two children in the Young Marines, and they love the program. My oldest son has benefited so much from the program. My younger