"As a registered staff for the Razorback Young Marines,  I am rewarded by being a part of a great group of kids that voluntarily WANT to do good, and to be a better person in life.  Having a son within the unit has challenged me to step back from my focus of what I would like for him to accomplish, to being a part of staff and fulfilling my duties.  The Unit is very tight knit with each other, with great friendship and respect toward one another, although a great array of personalities, lifestyles, ages, and family upbringing. 

I enjoy watching each Young Marine grow, in their own ways, in their own times, with help from positive mentors, such as Young Marine Leaders and Staff. 

Recently, my son and a friend found a wallet while camping. It had cash, many credit cards, and packed full of important things to the owner.  Instead of keeping it, and taking the cash, they rushed to me.  They returned the wallet to the Ranger station, where the owner, was eagerly waiting.  They got rewarded from him, and from me. It was just the right thing to do.  I know something is working right.

Common sense, personal morals, patriotism, loyalty, honesty, self-discipline, are not taught much today in the school system.  Still, I see hope in our future with these fine kids, who are willing to learn and display the right things to do. This not only makes them stronger, but also more self-confident.  This Program gives them the strength and capabilities to make good choices in the future, on their own.   To live a healthy, drug free lifestyle, and pursue their dreams, in a positive way. 

The Young Marines teaches me more, than I could ever hope to teach the Young Marines.  The  Commanding Officer works hard to make this a positive Youth Program , and her training and efforts are top notch and effective. Compassionate, yet firm.  The kids yearn for that type of leadership."

~ Razorback Young Marines Executive Officer

"The Razorback Young Marines  is a great thing.  I have seen teamwork , laughter, and  kids grow into better people. They are showing respect, responsibility,and how to work with other people ,   As a Razorback Young Marine support staff ,  I have really enjoyed the kids at the last boot camp we just had on  August 1st.  I, as staff learned a lot from the kids.  I witnessed them learning, I enjoyed watching them play games, and come together as a team.  They learned so much at at boot camp and drills.  It is amazing to see what kids can do when they put their minds to it.   The YM's have a great 5k team. They ran really well this year. There were 5 Young Marines who joined up for the 5K team, ages  9 to 13 years old.  Three 5k races were required to earn a sportsmanship ribbon.  The team ran an extra FOURTH - 5k with the TO, because they simply liked it and volunteered too.   They ran well as a team, and all ran with each other as a team, as team players."

~ Razorback Young Marines Registered Adult Staff Volunteer

"The primary thing that attracted me to volunteer as Adult Staff for the Young Marines was the COMMITMENT of the existing staff, whose focus is first and foremost the welfare of the Young Marines, individually and as a unit.  Staff leaders seek to instill in these boys and girls character, skills, leadership, and self-esteem.  One thing I appreciate is that each young marine is allowed to progress at his/her own rate, while at the same time  encouraged to be the best they can be.

I have found drills, field trips and boot camp to be times filled with structure, physical fitness, instruction, personal growth opportunities and FUN!  Young Marines are also encouraged to become involved with various aspects of community service.

As I have come to love and admire these adults and young people, I am watching them mature, not into model soldiers, but into model citizens.  More grown-ups would do well to follow their example!"

~ Razorback Young Marines Registered Adult Staff Volunteer

"The Young Marine Program has been great for my son. He hears anti drug and alcohol messages on a regular basis, but is not told just that he should stay away from drugs, but why. We've heard firsthand from a former tobacco addict who not only told how he got started and how hard it was to quit, but he also told about the effects it had on his family, and the methods tobacco companies use to lure young people into using their products. The Young Marines especially enjoyed watching the drug dog in action recently.

My son does not plan to join the military when he grows up, but he has learned many skills that will help him as he continues his education to become an engineer. His public speaking skills have improved through his pursuit of various ribbons, and the Academic Achievement ribbon encourages him to maintain his 4.0 grade average in high school. One of the best skills that he has learned is ironing!!! I couldn't believe it when he returned from boot camp and did such a great job ironing his uniform and polishing his boots. This comes in handy when he needs a shirt ironed for church or a special event. Young Marines also reinforces the manners that we teach at home.

The Young Marine leaders are firm but fun. There are times when we need to be serious when practicing close order drill, learning information for promotions, etc., but we have lots of fun, too. The Young Marines LOVE the Qualified Field Encampment, where they build their own shelter and cook their own food over a fire. We also floated the Buffalo River this spring. It was a new activity for me, and I can't wait to go back. Boot Camp is hot and hard work for the recruits as well as for those teaching them, with a lot of information to be learned in a short amount of time, be we manage to squeeze in a little fun there, even. At our most recent Boot Camp they played water balloon volleyball, played on a giant "slip & slide", and went swimming, and at last year's boot camp we hiked at Petit Jean.

A new benefit for my son this year was Junior Leadership School. He and another young man from our unit spent a week in California with other Young Marines. Among other things they learned map and compass skills and rapelled down a tower. He can't wait to go to Senior Leadership School next year, and Advanced Leadership School the next. He has become much more independent and confident as a result of his training in Young Marines."

~Razorback Young Marines Registered Adult Staff Volunteer

~2nd year Young Marine

~5th year Young Marine

~2nd year Young Marine