Causes: Children & Youth, Scouting

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.

Target demographics: boys and girls age eight through high school

Geographic areas served: Across the USA

Programs: The Young Marines, a national youth organization, provides a program for boys and girls age eight through high school, focused on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The organization upholds the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment as well as the Young Marines’ core values of Discipline, Leadership, and Teamwork. Individual units are led by dedicated adult volunteers who are committed to develop the next generation of leaders. The organization strives to meet its vision to be the best led and best managed nonprofit in America and the nation’s premier youth development program. The Young Marines program encourages unit participation in local civic activities such as providing color guards, marching in parades, and activities promoting and reinforcing good citizenship. Young Marines learn skills, earn rank, and wear the Young Marines uniform. They earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education. One of the pillars of the Young Marines is to lead a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Each year, the youth members learn about the dangers of gateway drugs (tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, prescription drugs, and marijuana) and participate in Red Ribbon Week, a national anti-drug effort and awareness campaign observed annually in October throughout the United States. Year round, Young Marines show deep devotion to military veterans from any era and from any branch of service. In addition, Young Marines participate in Veterans Appreciation Week, a campaign that challenges youth members to dedicate time to show their country’s appreciation and help the nation’s veterans in their local communities. Young Marines can attend the Summer Programs of: Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES). Some of the exciting SPACES events include: Junior Leadership School, Senior Leadership School, Advanced Leadership School, the Great American History Adventure, National Flight Academy, Drill and Ceremonies School, Orienteering, Sailing, Cowboy Experience, National Outdoor Leadership School, and trips abroad to historic sites in Vietnam and France. Young Marines have the opportunity to travel to notable locations for commemorations and parades including: Navajo Code Talkers Day in Window Rock, Arizona; Pearl Harbor Remembrance in Honolulu, Hawaii; National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D. C. ; and the Reunion of Honor in Guam and Iwo Jima.