Leadership challenge draws 800 cadets

Cadets work on their ability to work as a team in this test of cooperation. Each cadet has to work in tandem to move the beams on which they are standing. --submitted photos

They came to Nevada's Camp Clark for the fifth time and once again found the features and the facilities of the camp more than adequate for their purpose. The Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge brought approximately 800 cadets from four states in two, one-week sessions.

Retired Col. Tim Pratt, Camp Commandant and the senior Army instructor of the Cahokia, Ill., high school ROTC program, said it was an instructive opportunity for the cadets, as well as enjoyable .

"This is an extremely enjoyable activity for these high school students," Pratt said. "They learn teamwork, decision making, and how to deal with challenges that will help develop character, citizenship and patriotism."

The 10th Brigade JROTC Coordinator, Barry Vanden Berg, said that both Camp Clark and the city of Nevada have been very helpful.

"We have enjoyed the positive relationship we've had with both Camp Clark and the city of Nevada," Vanden Berg said. "We look forward to each year's camp and I'm sure this year will be as rewarding as the previous camps."

A cadet rappels from a tower at Camp Clark during their week-long leadership challenge camp. The camp helps cadets develop skills that they can use their entire lives.

Retired Lt. Col. Henry Anton, the senior Army instructor of Nixa High School JROTC is the camp training officer.

"Camp Clark offers a fine mix of activities, events and services that allow the students to experience challenges and increase their confidence in a supportive and safe environment," Anton said.

The senior Army instructor at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, Sergeant Major Randall Woods said the camp "provides many of these students opportunities they will never experience anywhere else. It's all part of investing in our students who, as you know, are the future of the United States."

The activities encompass a wide range of experiences for the cadets. Drownproofing, land navigation, canoeing, rappelling, helicopter rides and leadership courses among many others make this an experience the cadets will remember for a lifetime.

Most of the instructors are retired military who are active in their hometown ROTC programs and often get as much, or more, enjoyment from their trip to Nevada as the cadets. Lt. Col. Donald Baldridge the camps public affairs officer said he looks forward to the trip each year.

"I like coming here as much as the kids do," Baldridge said. "Nevada has been very good to us."