Photo By Milt Spalding | Cadets from Kentucky’s Bluegrass and Appalachian Youth ChalleNGe Academies...... read more read more
ARTEMUS, Ky. -- Cadets from Kentucky’s two Youth ChalleNGe academies recently competed in a wide-ranging intrastate field training exercise (FTX) designed to test teamwork, leadership and skills learned through the program at the Harold L. Disney Training Center in Artemus, May 13-14.
The Kentucky Youth ChalleNGe Intrastate FTX brought cadets together from the Bluegrass ChalleNGe Academy (BCA) and the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy (ACA) for a friendly competition featuring athletic and academic events. Activities included softball, a two-mile relay, chess, flag football, spelling bee, land navigation, drill and ceremony, volleyball, cornhole and an obstacle course.
Officials said the event was created to give cadets an opportunity to showcase the abilities and confidence they have developed during their time in the Youth ChalleNGe program.
“The event allows cadets to demonstrate skills they’ve learned during training, including land navigation, while also highlighting their athletic abilities, strengths and confidence,” said Josh Coldiron, director of the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy.
BCA Director Benzie Timberlake said events like this allow cadets to gain new experiences and perspectives.
“The desire to win and compete drives excellence, and they also get to compare their experience with cadets from the other academy,” said Timberlake. “A lot of these kids have never had the opportunity to win anything in their life.” ACA Cadet Benjamin Shepard enjoyed the event and the opportunities that it offered.
“I loved the competition; it was really fun,” said Shepard. “It gave me an opportunity to interact with others, especially those from our sister academy and to gain insight into their experiences.”
This marked the second intrastate competition between the two academies. The inaugural event was held last fall at Bluegrass Station. The competition was moved this year to the Artemus facilities to allow for additional activities, including use of the obstacle course.
“This venue gave us the opportunity to expand the event and provide cadets with even more challenges and team-building experiences,” Coldiron said.
Coldiron says plans are to continue the competition as a regular tradition.
“We plan to conduct the event once per cycle moving forward,” Coldiron said.
During the event, cadets and staff were also visited by Representative Tom Smith of Kentucky’s 86th district, who spoke with participants offering encouragement.
“His support and words of encouragement meant so much to our cadets, staff and leadership teams,” said Coldiron.
Designed to help young people develop leadership, discipline and life skills through education, physical fitness and community-focused training, the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a nationwide program aimed at helping at-risk youth develop the skills and discipline needed for future success. During the 22-week residential program, cadets live, eat and learn at the academy while participating in a highly structured, quasi-military environment. The program emphasizes self-discipline, personal responsibility and positive motivation, with cadets expected to meet military grooming standards, wear military-style uniforms and follow standard military customs and courtesies.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2026 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 566602 |
| Location: | ARTEMUS, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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