When considering an education for your child or other loved one, there are typical questions. Are there quality teachers? What are the average class sizes? Is it a safe environment? These are important questions but today’s post is about one more question. What extra opportunities are provided?
Military schools provide a unique experience and the ability to bring students together which you will not find at a traditional public school.
Last week Massanutten Military Academy embarked on a 2-day winter exercise entitled, “Raid the Nutten”. The purpose of this was simple.
- Provide a unique character building event so the cadets will have a quality shared experience.
- Foster esprit de corps amongst the cadets.
- Access historic sites in the local community.
The exercise was a 2-day, 15.5-mile hike/march. The cadets were teamed up into small squads, each with a teacher, on day 1 and started climbing through Edinburg Gap in the Upper Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Through their hike, the cadets had checkpoints which provided them an opportunity to take a slight rest, eat lunch and take in the breathtaking sights nature provides. Day one’s hike ended upon arrival at Little Fort Camp Grounds where the cadets ate dinner, spent time with their fellow schoolmates and then slept out under the stars.
Day 2 started with breakfast at Camp Little Fort before packing up and heading out. The difference in day two however is the cadets marched together as a single battalion.
Forming two columns, the corps marched to the top of Woodstock Tower in the George Washington National Forest (elevation >1900 ft). Here, they were able to overlook the Shenandoah River and parts of the valley.
After departing Woodstock tower, the cadets descended to the river and crossed the bridge at Burnshire Dam, another breath taking view. The exercise concluded as the cadets entered through the south gate at Massanutten Military Academy.
To state that this exercise was impressive would be an understatement. There was an ironic symbolism between the cadets marching up in small groups and coming back as one corps. A sight that was truly amazing to experience. There is now a refreshed sense of school pride and bond amongst the cadets through this positive shared experience; an experience that is unique to a military academy.
To find out more about Massanutten Military Academy, go to https://www.militaryschool.com or call the Admissions Office at 540-459-2167 opt.1.
