The Young Marines is open to all boys and girls aged 8 through graduation of High School. The program was founded in 1958 to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of young Americans. The Young Marines offer a variety of activities specifically designed to develop greater self-esteem, discipline, and self-confidence in its members. Character building is one of the most important objectives of the Young Marine program and all of its activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community, and family.
In July 1993, the United States Marine Corps officially designated the Young Marines program as “the focal organization for fulfilling its participation in the Department of Defense’s drug demand reduction activities.”
The Vision:
Impact America’s future by providing a unique youth leadership program which nurtures and develops citizens in our communities, instilling the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
The Mission:
The Young Marines program educates and inspires youth within our communities by promoting a healthy lifestyle through instructional and adventurous activities. We develop responsible citizens using the volunteer resources of a civilian and military partnership. The teamwork and Esprit de Corps enjoyed by Young Marines help each other discover the hero within.
Our Guiding Principles:
- The health, welfare and safety of Young Marines are paramount.
- We value our volunteers and will provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
- We will never forget that this program is for our youth.
- We will uphold the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
- We pledge to the parents to serve as positive role models to their children.
- We get by giving.
The Young Marine Obligation:
From this day forward, I sincerely promise: I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, my Country, and its Flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself.
SEMPER FIDELIS
Always Faithful
The preceding information was taken directly from the October, 1995 edition of The Young Marine Guide. To obtain a copy of The Young Marine Guide Book please visit our Contact Us page. For More information on the Young Marines, please visit the Rivertowns Young Marine Site.
Make a difference! Support Our Young Marines
Support the Young Marines of The Marine Corps League. The Young Marines is a 501(c)3 Organization. Donations are recognized as tax deductible for tax purposes. Please support the Young Marines. Your tax deductible donation will be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to “Marine Corps League” and write “Young Marines” in the memo section. Your Contributions can be sent to:
Marine Corps League
“Young Marines”
PO Box 505
White Plains, NY 10602-0505
Or you can use your Visa, Master Card, Discover Card or American Express via PayPal’s secure server and donate online.
