Young Marines Program Spotlight

As certified under the Marine Corps League, the Club operates a Young Marines Program led by our Young Marines Program Coordinator and instructed by military volunteers. The Young Marines Program, also known as the Paper City Young Marines Unit, is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Upon joining the Paper City Young Marines, youth undergo a 26-hour orientation program. The program is administered once a week for 2.5 hours and concludes with a full weekend encampment. This orientation program is affectionately called "Boot Camp." The youth learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure. After graduating from Young Marines "Boot Camp", the youth have the opportunity to learn more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marines uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Additional activities the youth engage include career explorations, college preparedness, mentoring, job shadowing, and other training opportunities. As awards for their accomplishments, Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education. For more information about Young Marines, please contact Antonio Padilla at apadilla@hbgc.org or 413-534-7366 ext. 112.