• 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 (LA)
    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, physical fitness, and growth in order to graduate. Graduating cadets will earn a silver cord to wear on their uniform. Only selected cadets may attend, usually top staff position holders.  BLT experience is required. Passing the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is required.

    Leadership Camp (LC)
    Leadership Camp is a camp where cadets can further their leadership skills. Cadets will enhance their skills in, 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 NOT earn a silver cord to wear on their uniform. BLT experience is not required, Passing the PRT is not required however, PT will be conducted every day.

     

    Boys State

    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. https://illinoisboysstate.org/ (Download and complete application; email or hand deliver to CSCS Cotillier.)
    Costs for this are paid by the American Legion.
    Transportation is sometimes included to Eastern Illinois (Normal)  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. https://www.alaigs.org/
    Costs for this are paid for by the American Legion Auxiliary.
    Transportation is sometimes 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. 

    https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program

    https://uscga.edu/admissions/aim/


    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 Program