Basic Leadership Training (BLT)

Located in Marseilles, IL, BLT is a camp where cadets can learn leadership and further advanced skills such as Orienteering, first aid, and teamwork. D214 cadets will meet cadets from different units within Area 3 and make memories that will last forever. Attending this camp is highly recommended and is only open to cadets who have not attended this camp before.

Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy is a camp where cadets can further their leadership skills. Cadets will enhance their skills in sailing, teamwork and knowledge of the technical works of being a leader. Cadets attending will be expected to show good character and growth in order to graduate. Graduating cadets will earn a silver cord to wear on their uniform. (Only selected cadets may attend. BLT experience is desired, but not required.)

This summer program is only open to males who are currently juniors. You must apply for this program through the NSIs.

Link to website and application: Boys State. (Download and complete application; email or hand deliver to CSCS Cotillier.)
Costs for this are paid by the American Legion.
Transportation to Eastern Illinois (Normal) IS NOT included. 
*If conflicted between Leadership Academy (or BLT) and Boys State, Boys State is probably better recognized and a better addition to your college portfolio.

Girls State 

This summer program is only open to females who are currently juniors. You must apply for this program through the NSIs.

Link to website and application: Girls State.
Costs for this are paid for by the American Legion.
Transportation IS included to Eastern Illinois (Normal). Apply through NSIs.
*If conflicted between Girls State and Illinois Youth Police Academy, choose Girls State.

Illinois Youth Police Academy (IYPA) 

Open to males and females who are between 14 - 16 years of age. This program is available only for those who have not yet attended IYPA. You must apply for this through the NSIs by sending an email and completing the application.

Cost is paid by American Legion.
Transportation to Springfield not included. 

Service Academy Summer Seminars

Each summer, the Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard Academies host rising high school seniors for a week at their respective institutions. These are designed to give prospective students a look inside their schools and branches. Applying to or attending these programs do NOT commit a student to academies. These are highly recommended for anyone considering a service academy. More information and applications are available in the links below. 

Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) 
West Point Summer Experience 
US Air Force Summer Seminar
Coast Guard AIM Summer Program

Service Academy Summer STEM Camps/Apprentices

Every summer, programs offered by military youth outreach programs are available to directly apply to. Some of the most popular engineering programs are held by the Navy, Army and Air Force, all of which are listed down below. To find a whole list of all programs available, please visit DoDSTEM

United States Naval Academy (USNA) STEM
US Army Camp and Apprenticeship Programs
US Air Force STEM

Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) Camps 

The Society of American Military Engineers offers a very unique series of engineering camps designed for high school students (present 9th, 10th, and 11th graders) who excel in math, science and technical courses and are interested in pursuing engineering, architecture, or a related field in college. These camps are all one-week long and are filled with high energy, hands-on events for students from across the country and around the world. All camps are led by a professional staff of engineers from both private industry and the military services. These exciting week-long camps take place during the summer months at three different locations: Vicksburg, Camp Lejeune, and Scott AF

S.A.M.E. is also looking to sponsor one cadet to each of the three STEM camps. They will pay for travel expenses and 1/2 the cost of the camp. To sign up or get preliminary information about each camp, click here. 
Contact the NSIs when applying for this summer program to get more details, guidance, and scholarships opportunities.

**Participants in programs paid for by American Legion are expected to conform with their standards of "rendering proper respect" to the Flag "at all times, including during the National Anthem." Failure to do so will result in removal from the program and disqualification for further participation.**