The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) conducted a Leadership Camp at the St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI, from June 6-11. Cadets participated in numerous adventure skill activities like a high ropes course, rappelling and water survival. They then combined those skills in leadership scenarios at the end of the week. MCHS coordinated the camp which also included Portage High School, South Bend Riley High School, and Romeoville, IL High School. Each school worked four scenarios built around the adventure skills learned during the week. The key leadership assignments of platoon commander and the three squad leaders were rotated for each scenario, providing many opportunities for multiple cadets to demonstrate their leadership abilities.
This camp was conducted at no cost to the cadet or to MCHS. It was funded by the U.S. Marine Corps and donations from Michigan City veterans groups. Those organizations were American Legion Post 37, VFW Post 2536, The Wall Gang, The Guardian Riders, and the Michiana Marines. Also sponsoring cadets were the Michigan City Elks Lodge and Meier’s Grocery Store.
“We are very appreciative of the support that our community provides us,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “The cadets who participated in this camp will come back to our school and community to be better students and citizens. We are very fortunate to have so many Michigan City organizations that are willing to invest in our students. he said.
Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, commented on the focused performance of the cadets. “Even though their peers were relaxing on summer vacation, our cadets really put forth maximum effort every training day. Each day started with a physical training formation at 5:20 am, and didn’t end until they were done with their scenario rehearsals, about 8:00 pm. Despite the fatigue, our cadets really represented our school and community very well.”
The cadets will be busy throughout the summer. They will travel to Washington, DC, later this month to visit the National Museum o f the Marine Corps, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Marine Memorials, and attend the Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks. That parade features the Marine Corps Band (nicknamed “The President’s Own” because they play at every social affair hosted by the President), the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, The Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps mascot- “Chesty,” the English Bulldog named after the most decorated Marine , Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller. This trip is also funded by the Marine Corps and donations from the above mentioned civic organizations. The cadets will march in three parades over the 4th of July weekend- 2 in Michigan City and 1 in LaPorte. They will also participate in the Michigan City Independence Day ceremony at Washington Park. The cadets will also support many other community service projects, to include the Drum Corps International competitions in June and August and the Grand Prix boat races in July. They will also be preparing for the upcoming competition military drill season by conducting practices throughout the summer.