WHEN MOTHER NATURE HANDS MMA SUMMER CAMP A RAINY MORNING, THERE’S LOTS OF COMPETITION AND FUN…INDOORS!!!

Thursday morning brought a solid round of rain to the MMA Campus. Not to worry, Military Department swiftly changed gears from the original schedule and campers were off to try their agility in the Rifle Range, Weightlifting and Boxing Gyms, Basketball Court, and plenty of puddle jumping in betwixt!

Over on the indoor Rifle Range, SgtMaj Wilson instructed campers on proper loading of the BB gun, pumping, aiming, and (perhaps MOST IMPORTANTLY!) remaining behind the red line until directed to retrieve paper targets. Each camper got to try out their aim and marksmanship – some proved to be “Dead-Eye” shootists!!!

Over in the Weightlifing Gym, CWO3 Harris and Assistant DI MSgt Efren Quilit quickly crafted a makeshift “Bridge Over River Kwai” out of wooden pallets to keep campers’ tennies warm and dry as they entered the Gym. Staying warm -- not a problem as soon as the lifting, situps, pushups, pull-ups and “PUSH IT…HARDER” begin. In fact, there came a crucial moment when the unanimous request rang out to turn the huge industrial fan on “high” moving a brisk breeze throughout the room.

In the far corner of MMA Campus, SgtMaj Robertson and GySgt Villareal set campers straight on the proper techniques of Boxing one-on-one, how to tape fists, when to jab and when to duck. Safety is key in SgtMaj Robertson’s ring, and he’s going to make sure each camper knows his stuff before stepping up!

Inside MMA’s Florence King Gym, the squeaking of hot court action and the swish of basketballs rocketing through hoops filled the huge Leatherneck arena...Shirts against No Shirts and plenty of 2-pointers all around!

Back in the Athletic Room, Coach Swinnea instructed campers on how to get the best workout in preparation for the upcoming football season, utilizing free weights. Over the doorway reads, “YOU MUST EARN THE RIGHT TO WALK THROUGH THESE DOORS” … and a couple moment’s observation during knee thrusts proved that to be absolutely right on the mark!

Come rain or come shine, these Campers are experiencing the adventure of their life…and loving it.