SWIMMING, AEROSPACE, ESL, MARCHING, PAINTBALL WARS, and WEIGHTLIFTING … OH MY!

Tuesday morning brought a plethora of activity to Summer Campers aboard Marine Military Academy. The somewhat overcast sky overhead cooled the tropical environment a few degrees as enthusiastic campers, eager to tackle the day’s new challenges, scurried to their scheduled activities.

Over on the legendary Paint Ball grounds, SSgt Jose Jaramillo briefed Golf Company how the wars would go down—12 man teams, red caps against no caps…take cover and the strategic wars begin!!! Once shot with a yellow paint ball, the “warrior” raises his weapon over his head and exits the grounds, and if he doesn’t move fast enough there’s plenty of Cadet Instructor “Referees” standing by to shout ‘encouragement’ to move along a bit more quickly! The team with the last team member standing, squatting, crouching…whatever…WINS!

Over in the Weightlifting Gym, GySgt Martinez briefs Alpha, then Fox Companies how to properly execute each weight station—whether spotting or lifting. All campers rotate through each station, and sweating is not an option…it’s mandatory!!!

Charlie and Echo Companies take more than a satisfying dip in Gracey Swimming Pool—GySgt Caleb Hood briefs each group on swimming technique—today working on the breast stroke, then stands by with play-by-play critique to get the job done right. “Is this the right way to do the ‘breath stroke?” a swimmer hollers out as he grabs a breath between splashes. “Everybody to THIS side of the pool…we’re going to try this ONE MORE TIME!!!”

The ESL Classrooms are a flurry of activity all day long. Teachers outlined the day’s lessons on chalkboard and campers lined the hallways at 8 a.m.sharp, clutching their notebooks and writing tools as they converse. Soon all are seated in their appropriate classroom and Day Number Two is off to a GREAT start.

Meanwhile, in Conti Hall, Aerospace Instruction gets underway. “Will we be piloting a 747 this year?” comes an inquiry from the assembled campers, drawing a tug of a smile from Instructor Mitri Garib.

IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT DAY ABOARD MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY, AND TUESDAY, JULY 3 RD, IS NO EXCEPTION. OORAH!!!