Strengthening the lives of America’s youth

Photo By Cpl. Matheus Hernandez | Camp Foster Young Marines positively impacts kids by providing a quality youth development program that develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.  

CAMP FOSTER, AICHI, JAPAN

10.27.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Boys and girls involved with the Young Marines program were promoted and received awards at the Camp Foster Young Marines building for achievements in their curriculum Oct. 15.

Children have been actively taking in part in Young Marines, an education and service program for boys and girls dedicated to positively impacting America’s youth, since 1959. The program promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members and focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle for the youth.

“It’s rewarding to see the development of the kids that have been in the program,” said Master Sgt. Michael E. Cline, Okinawa Young Marines battalion commander and Camp Foster Young Marines commanding officer. “I think the most rewarding thing is seeing the difference in their lives as they learn about self discipline, doing well in school and staying away from the peer pressures.”

On island, there are approximately 50 active young Marines between two units on Camp Courtney and Camp Foster in the program, but at one point, the program had over 200 members. The age group ranges from eight years old up until young Marines graduate from high school.

“Nothing is handed to them. Everything’s earned so if they don’t meet the objectives they’re required to meet, according to national headquarters they don’t get promoted,” said Cline.

In the initial phase, all members must go through “boot camp” where they are required to have a minimum of 26 hours of instruction and are known as recruits during this phase before becoming active Young Marines.

Recruits meet every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the recruit training phase. The schedule is built off of how fast they understand the objectives, learn the movements for drill and how fast they can prepare for the following classes.

“I like knowing that I make an impact on some of these kids’ lives,” said Steve W. Sceranka, executive officer and senior recruit instructor, Camp Foster Young Marines. “Whether it’s now or 20 years from now in some way shape or form I have made an impact. I also like the fact that even though they don’t know it, I sometimes learn from them than they do from me.”

According to Sceranka, many of the young Marines join for their own reasons, whether it’s to make new friends, to be physically challenged or to gain the experience.

“They just amaze you seeing how they develop and become mature,” said Cline. “The product of society that they come out to be is just unbelievable.”

The Marine thrift store has supported Young Marines in their endeavors, according to Cline. Young Marines offer their community service at the thrift store and receives grants for their program in return.

“The Young Marine program is a great way to learn leadership skills for the younger generation of Marines and I strongly encourage any interested to come down for a weekend and see what we are all about,” said Sceranka. “After a weekend or two, decide if you want to continue with the program and we will take it from there.”

• Date Taken: 10.27.2011
• Date Posted: 10.27.2011 02:57
• Story ID: 79081
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, AICHI, JP