Program offers young leaders tools for JROTC, life
The 2015 Cadet Officer Leadership Program staff includes C/Major DeVaughn Conyers (Bladensburg High School), Camp Commander; C/Lieutenant Junior Grade Kaila Butler (Northwestern High School), Camp Vice Commander; C/Chief Master Sergeant Emma Jacobs (North Point High School). - Credit: Leslie C. Smith/ANDREWS GAZETTE
The confidence course at William S. Schmidt Education Center in Brandywine was just one of the activities at the 2015 Cadet Officer Leadership Camp designed to stretch and develop the skills of the cadets. - Credit: Leslie C. Smith/ANDREWS GAZETTE
Staff Sergeant Gerald Kelly and Sr. Airman Elizabeth Patty demonstrate self-defense techniques as Staff Sergeant Journey Henderson instructs the cadets in each step during session at the Cadet Officer Leadership Program at the William S. Schmidt Education Center. - Credit: Leslie C. Smith/ANDREWS GAZETTE
During June 26-July 2, more than 224 of the state’s brightest and focused young ROTC cadets converged on the William S. Schmidt Education Center in Brandywine for the 2015 Cadet Officer Leadership Program (COLP).
In its 32nd year, this joint-service, cross-county and cross state JROTC leadership program is designed to prepare the cadets for leadership opportunities in their units as well as their schools and communities.
Through a combination of mental and physical training, cadets are pushed and tested in both areas, with the goal to increase self-confidence and develop problem-solving skills. Workbooks are completed prior to arriving at camp and a final exam is conducted on all materials covered during training. Physical fitness is tested through daily athletic events and competitions as well as performance fitness tests that reach military standards.
Co-curricular activities that further develop the leadership and personals skills of the cadets include drill competition, map reading and orienteering, self-defense training, survival training, a confidence course and team-building.
The camp also provides opportunities for hands-on leadership training as cadet officer candidates serve in a variety of positions during the encampment.
This year the Command staff included: C/Major DeVaughn Conyers (Bladensburg High School), Camp Commander; C/Lieutenant Junior Grade Kaila Butler (Northwestern High School), Camp Vice Commander; C/Chief Master Sergeant Emma Jacobs (North Point High School), Command Chief; C/First Lieutenant Mafereh Kabay (Laurel High School), Camp Operations Officer; C/Ensign Jonathan Zelaya-Blanco (Northwestern High School), Deputy Operations Officer.
The cadets not only take the skills acquired at this encampment back to their units but to their communities and beyond high school, as well.
“I always loved Julius Caesar and the quote I came, I saw, I conquered — vendi, vidi, vici — and I never realized how powerful it was until I told my cadets, ‘you came, you saw, and you will conquer this camp.’ I also know I can conquer every challenge I meet,” Butler shared.
“Last year I was CFC at this encampment and ended up getting top graduate which was very exciting. The motto last year was it’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about all of us. And being a CFC last year, and part of command staff this year, it’s made me realize that it’s not about me being tired, it’s not about you not wanting to do something, it’s about all of us working toward the common goal to better ourselves not only as leaders but as people,” Jacobs noted.
