Scott Frey, Evan D'Olimpia, Brad Harunkiewicz, and Tyler Litchfield, all students at Wareham High School, recently graduated from the Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) Camp at Fort Devens, held June 20 - 24.

Approximately 325 high school JROTC students from 19 schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut tested the limits of their endurance, stamina, and leadership capabilities during this adventure camp.

The typical daily routine for JCLC consisted of a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call, movement to breakfast, followed by their strength, confidence and leadership training beginning at 8 and continuing throughout the day. Camp activities consisted of marksmanship, an historical education trip to Lexington & Concord, a leadership reaction course, rappelling, building a poncho raft, and kayak and pontoon boat races.

The evening activities after dinner consisted of an obstacles course, drill and ceremony marching competitions, and volleyball competitions.

Students shared living quarters together, but were separated from their schools into camp platoons and companies throughout their stay. They were challenged to step out of their comfort zone to meet and team with students from other schools with different backgrounds, skills, and abilities.

The highlight of the camp was when a student was placed into leadership positions as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader, first sergeant, and company commander.

When placed in these positions of responsibility, the students helped direct and were evaluated on coordinating the days' events.

Students who graduate from JCLC returned to school with a better understanding of the JROTC citizenship program.