JCLC: JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge

Patricia Passwaters, Executive Editor • Jun 27, 2012

On June 20 to 24, 14 JROTC cadets attended an annual leadership challenge camp located in Davie, FL. Along with hundreds of other students from different schools in Dade county. They lived outdoors for a week where they participated in aquatics training, map reading to locate different size grids, learned how to shoot pellet guns, and strengthen their teamwork by completing different obstacles.

The Wednesday they arrived served as an introduction day. The cadets were divided into three different groups called Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie and were assigned their camp mate for the remaining of the days. The purpose of the camp is to teach these students how to be a good leader once they return back to their school.

“This experience has helped me to learn a countless amount of things that I will incorporate into the new year ahead. From how to make quick, effective decisions to learning how to control and lead an element of about 105 cadets/students,” junior Joseph Lopez said.

However, the day’s weren’t only consisted of hard work and training they were also able to take a part in fun team building competitions like tug of war, volleyball, basketball, drill (marching), and spirit skit where they make funny yet motivating skits for the other groups.

The day before their departure, the camp holds an activity called Cadet of the Cycle. The top six cadets, chosen based on leadership qualites, must answer a multitude of questions in order to be known as the Cadet of the Cycle. Based on their answers, the top cadet is chosen to be the Batallion Commander of the entire camp. The runner up becomes the Adjutant which in this case is our very own Cadet Command Sergeant Major, Joseph Lopez.

When the time came for everyone to say their goodbyes it was a heartfelt moment. Tears were shed, numbers were exchanged and hugs were given. For many cadets it wasn’t their first time and definitly won’t be their last.

“This was my second year going to JCLC, I had an amazing time, I loved every second of it. It gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing people that I will never forget and now I get to see them at drill and raiders competition. I’m anxious to see what next years camp will bring, I can’t wait!” junior Laura Marquez said.

About the Contributor

Patricia Passwaters, Editor in Chief

Patty Passwaters is a senior in the Communication, Arts, Film and Digital Media Academy at Coral Gables Senior High School. Ever since freshman year she has taken every opportunity to become involved. She is not only the Editor-in-Chief / News Editor of CavsConnect, but is also a member of Interact and NHS, an honorary member of Yearbook, President of Quill & Scroll, Managing Editor of Catharsis, Treasurer of the Creative Writing Club, and Student Council President. Patty is almost always described as a "what you see is what you get kind of girl". She is dedicated, hard working, passionate about what she does, genuine and a hopeless romantic. Even when she has a lot going on if you ever need a helping hand her's would be the first to reach out to you. One of her biggest weaknesses is wanting to make everyone happy. In her opinion, one of the worst feelings someone can feel is letting someone else down. In the rare occasion that she isn't juggling her academics and extra curricular activities at once, you will find her reading. Close friends know that the perfect gift to give her is a Barnes & Noble gift card because there is nothing more that she loves than books. It is her outlet, she loves getting lost in a world full of romance (which set her expectations far too high). Her senior year is definitely going to be bittersweet, although she doesn't want high school to come to an end, she can't wait to see what else is in store for her. She is grateful to everyone who has made her high school experience one that she will never forget.

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