St. John’s Military military summer program has officially begun. This year’s military school summer program is at full capacity, and the campers have begun making new friends and tackling new adventures. This four week camp is designed to help young men develop physically, mentally, and socially. Its highly regimented schedule is balanced with physical activities and competition and opportunities for personal development and life skills training. Wednesday evenings are set aside for spiritual development, and other evenings are filled with a review of lessons learned.

Morning activities are centered on physical training and athletic competitions. Each camper receives beginner level instruction on calisthenics and physical training principles. In addition, there is a full schedule of athletic competition including flag football, basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, softball, and others. Through these activities, campers learn the values of effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The competitions held in paintball and on the obstacle course are highlights for most campers.

Some of the physical activities are designed to build self-confidence and provide a truly meaningful experience. Preconceived personal boundaries are shattered when campers attack the 40’ climbing and rappelling tower at Camp Brown, in Abilene. Additionally, this year’s campers will participate in the high and low ropes confidence course at Kansas State University. The same course used by soldiers of the United States Army’s First Infantry Division. The confidence course provides a unique experience that will challenge each participant to conquer their fears, learn trust in their teammates, and overcome obstacles together.

During the heat of the afternoon, campers participate in classes aimed at the development of personal traits. Classes in leadership, family relationships, bullying prevention, dealing with peer pressure, etiquette, and others give campers the knowledge and tools to enhance their future lives. These open discussion demand input from each camper and builds bonds of friendship through shared stories. The personal attributes and leadership principles learned are put to test as each camper serves in a leadership capacity in the camps military style structure. For a week of the camp, cadets will practice their learned skills and receive a detailed evaluation of their success and challenges.

All camp activities are designed to be fun and informative. Several trips are scheduled to build camaraderie and simply have fun. Trips to Kansas City to catch a Royals game, play at Worlds of Fun, and get wet at The Schlitterbahn Water Park are always a big hit with participants. Additional trips are made to The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center (www.cosmo.org) and The Strataca/Kansas Underground Salt Museum (www.underkansas.org).

Throughout the camp, participants will grow as young men and form bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime. Boys from 6th through 12th grade learn to live and work together, respect their fellow campers, and work to make a difference in the environment in which they live.

New stories and pictures will be updated throughout camp. Stay Tuned!