We recognize the importance of development and growth in young men and women, and therefore Massanutten Military Academy takes extra steps to provide specialized programs for our cadets. Colonel’s Camp is a leadership program that allows students in grades 6-8 to learn valuable skills that will prepare them for a successful high school career. This fun, yet structured program emphasizes character, leadership, responsibility, and service. As our summer programs come to a close, we take a look back on the activities our Colonel’s Camp cadets participated in over the 4-week courses.
Week 1
We didn’t waste any time this summer! We know that campers are excited about gaining these new experiences and we jumped right in. During Week One, our cadets visited Arlington National Cemetery and participated in Laying of the Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was a moving and memorable experience for our cadets and we’re honored these young cadets were able to take part in such a time-honored tradition.
Week 2
During Week Two our cadets headed down to Mount Vernon, home of our first President, George Washington! Here they learned more about President Washington, his childhood and the influence he had on our country’s history.
Week 3
Everyone needs a break every now and again, so this year, we treated our campers to a fun night out! During Week Three, the Colonel’s Camp cadets spent an evening playing mini golf and another visiting the local theatre to watch Spiderman: Homecoming. While we work to instill a sense of structure and discipline in our cadets, we also understand that they are still kids and sometimes kids just need to have a little fun.
Week 4
Closing out the program, our cadets visited Gettysburg and were taken on a tour of the battlefield, the museum, and the Cyclorama. Along with the tours, our cadets were given a showing of the film A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by the iconic Morgan Freeman. The film focuses on the battle in the larger context of the Civil War and history itself. It also reminds us of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous address and reminds us that “freedom, like power, will always be contested” and should be defended. What an incredible opportunity for our cadets!
In addition to the moving visit to Gettysburg, our cadets visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Here, they viewed the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts and learned about the industries’ beginnings and how our country continues to advance in space exploration and beyond.
Massanutten Military Academy’s Colonel’s Camp is an excellent opportunity for middle school students to gain valuable skills, learn important history about our country’s military and history, as well as what makes great leaders. To learn more about our summer and year-round programs, visit us online at militaryschool.com.