What is the Young Marines? |
The Young Marines is a not-for-profit
501(c)3 youth education program for boys and
girls ages 8 through high school. It is
currently the fastest growing youth
organization in the United States. The
program focuses on character building
through a combination of self-discipline,
teamwork, and leadership, and promotes a
healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Young Marine units are organized into local
units located in nearly every state in the
United States. Each unit is an independent
community-based program lead by dedicated
adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers
are former, retired, active duty, or
reserved Marines who believe passionately
that the values they learned as Marines had
a positive effect on them. They volunteer
their time and make every effort to pass
those positive values on to those under
their charge before other, destructive
influences take root.
The Young Marines is NOT a “scared-straight”-type program
for wayward children. If your child as “severe” behavior
issues, we may not be the program for him/her. Your child
must be willing to listen and obey direction from authority
– some of which may be younger than they are.
In order to be successful in the Young Marines program,
participants must be willing to join. Parent “encouragement”
is welcome; however, we don’t take them kicking and
screaming. |
| Who may join? |
Any youth ages 8 through 18. |
| How do I become a
Young Marine? |
How do I become a Young Marine?
Answer: Upon being accepted into a local Young Marine unit,
the youth will participate as a Recruit in a demanding
72-hour orientation (Recruit Training) spread out weekly
meetings in a four-month period. This Recruit Training
culminates with a 24-hour Training of Recruit Challenge
(T.O.R.CH.) at the end of the program.
Recruit Training consists of both physical and mental
disciplines. Recruits study general Young Marine subjects
such as history, close order drill, physical fitness,
customs and courtesies, and military rank structure.
Until graduating from Recruit Training, youth are not Young
Marines. They are referred to as Recruits. Upon successful
completion of Recruit Training and the T.O.R.CH., Recruits
graduate to become Young Marines and may wear the Young
Marine uniform.
|
| What happens after
graduation? |
Until graduation, Recruits may not participate in any
Young Marine event or privilege, except as part of their
training.
After graduating from Recruit Training, the Young Marine
continues the character building process and begin a
life-long pursuit as productive and contributing citizens in
their community.
Below are some of the activities the East Valley Young
Marines have taken part in over the past year:
Veteran’s Parade
Unit Encampments
Regiment/Division Encampments
Hiking
Bowling
Holiday Parades
Color Guard
Family Fun Day Picnic
Community Service Projects
Red Cross Fire Evacuee Support
Feeding Homeless
Colton Unity Day
Vietnam Traveling Wall
Ronald McDonald House Relay for Life
Redlands Elks Lodge (annual hoop-shoot)
Habitat for Humanity
During the summer months, Young Marines also have the
opportunity to attend Summer Programs of Adventures,
Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) offered by
National Headquarters. |
| What is the cost to
join? |
There is a one-time registration fee of $275.00. The
registration cost includes a $40 insurance fee paid directly
to National Headquarters. The balance of the registration
fee pays for:
• Recruit Uniform
• PT Uniform
• Recruit “package”
• Recruit Manual
• Young Marine Uniform (issued at Graduation)
A non-refundable deposit of $40 is due upon registration.
This covers the cost of registration to National
Headquarters, red National t-shirt, belt, basic guidebook
and Cover.
The remaining balance may be paid in four equal monthly
installments. Registration must be paid in full by the final
drill immediately preceding the T.O.R.C.H. Recruits will not
be eligible for participation in the T.O.R.C.H. unless
registration has been paid in full. The Young Marine Uniform
will be issued to the Recruit at the end of the 24-hour
T.O.R.C.H. |
| Are there other costs? |
The East Valley Young Marines have a variety of
uniforms. The basic uniform cost is covered in the Young
Marine’s initial registration fee.
Additional uniforms may be purchased as needed. Costs will
vary.
“Uniform” also includes personal hygiene. For male Recruits
and Young Marines that means a short, neat haircut and
positively no earrings. For female Recruits and Young
Marines, hair must be pinned up or lifted off the collar.
Stud earrings may be worn.
For both male and female Recruits, no jewelry may be worn
except for religious/health reasons. Basic watches may be
worn.
|