About the Young Marines
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, teamwork and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the official youth program of the U.S. Marine Corps and the focal point for the Marine Corps' Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
The Colorado Springs Young Marine unit is a community-based program lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Our volunteers consist of former, retired, active duty military and civilian adults.
National Programs
During the summer months, Young Marines have the
opportunity to attend the Young Marines National Summer Programs of: Adventures, Challenges,
Encampments, and Schools (SPACES).
Schools consist of leadership courses.
Adventures have a historical emphasis and are designed with the younger child in mind. In contrast, older
Young Marines can participate in Challenges.
Challenges consist of training in areas such as survival skills, wilderness training, and water-based activities. Young Marine Encampments provide the opportunity for Young Marines of all ages to gather together and train as a large unit of up to 700 youth at a time. Over 3,000 Young Marines participate in the SPACES programs each year.
Awards The Young Marines is the proud two-time recipient of the Department of Defense’s Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Programs. The award recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made concerted efforts at spreading the anti-drug messages throughout their communities. The first award was presented to the Young Marines National Headquarters and the second to the Bakersfield Young Marine unit in California.
R. Lee Ermey, the Young Marines official celebrity spokesperson
The Young Marines are honored to have R. Lee Ermey
as their official celebrity spokesperson. Mr. Ermey garnered worldwide acclaim for his portrayal
of Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrik’s film
Full Metal Jacket
(1987). Ermey is the host of the History
Channel’s hit show, Mail Call.
Chester, the official mascot of the Young Marines
Chester, the puppy bulldog, is the Young Marines official mascot. Chester enjoys all the benefits of Young Marine membership such as the opportunity to earn rank and ribbons, wear the Young Marine uniform, and a free subscription to the Young Marine Esprit magazine. Chester sometimes even makes guest appearances at unit meetings, graduations, and training conferences.
Young Marines Veterans Appreciation Week
For one week in November each year, Young Marine units across the country celebrate Young Marines Veterans Appreciation Week (YMVAW). The purpose of the campaign is to challenge our Young Marines to dedicate some of their time to help our nation’s veterans and to demonstrate, through their actions, their sincere appreciation for our veterans’ service to our country. Unit projects include sending thank you cards to hospitalized veterans, cleaning up a disabled veterans yard, visiting veterans in the hospital, or simply setting up a community function to socialize with local veterans.
Mission
The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Motto
Strengthening the lives of America's youth
Young Marine Obligation
From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will
set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall
never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon
God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the
Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will
reflect credit upon them and myself.
Semper Fidelis
Young Marine Creed
- 1. Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
- 2. Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
- 3. Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
- 4. Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home or at play.
- 5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.
What to look forward to...
Upon joining
the Colorado Springs Young Marines, youth participate in a 40 hour
orientation program, meeting on Saturday mornings at Ft. Carson
spread out over 11 weeks. During recruit training the youth
learn general subjects such as military history, customs and
courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank
structure. After graduating the youth have the opportunity to learn
more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marine uniform and work
toward awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in
areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic
excellence, first aid and drug resistance education.
Our Young Marines experience many opportunities to challenge themselves physically, emotionally and mentally by:
- Giving to the community through Community Service Projects.
- Providing Color Guard Services to Local Organizations.
- Climbing alpine towers.
- Flying with the Young Eagles.
- Camping, Rafting, and other outdoor activities.
- And Much More...