JROTC cadets hone leadership skills during spring break

By U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsApril 13, 2009

JROTC cadets hone leadership skills during spring break
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JROTC cadets hone leadership skills during spring break
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Local high schools take part in annual event

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - More than 200 cadets represented the Army and Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at the 38th Annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) held March 26-April 2, here, at Area X.

Sixteen high schools throughout the state of Hawaii participated in the JCLC during the students' spring break.

Army instructors taught cadet leaders lessons, which they then applied in their respective groups. All cadets were mixed into four training groups, and each cadet was challenged mentally and physically to do his or her best.

The spring camp has three main objectives, to: allow cadets to practice leadership and citizenship skills, provide an opportunity for cadets to participate in adventure training and, lastly, have fun.

During the leadership challenges, participating cadets were required to abide by "CADET" values: courage, adaptability, discipline, enthusiasm and teamwork. Motivations or "team cheers" were also part of the criteria.

Army instructors and their assistants helped set up a rope bridge while other cadets constructed hip rappel seats. Teams worked to help each cadet hook to the rope bridge, monkey crawl across the bridge, and then unhook each other on the opposite side.

"I enjoyed this event because it was a fun experience. The whole team participated, and everyone motivated each other," said Cadet Raylene Kealoha, Nanakuli High School, who was grateful to have had the chance to experience something as exciting as the camp.

At the rappel site, located at the East Range, cadets rappelled off the side of a 30-foot cliff using commercial seats.

Many of the cadets were nervous and excited all at the same time, and many experienced an adrenaline rush, said instructor retired Lt. Col. Don Arakaki who was assisted by 25th Infantry Division Soldiers.

"I was a coward at first, but once I rappelled, I felt a sense of accomplishment and wanted to do it again," said Cadet Andrew Ehrenheim, Roosevelt High School.

Participating High Schools

Aca,!Ac Aiea

Aca,!Ac Baldwin

Aca,!Ac Farrington

Aca,!Ac Hilo

Aca,!Ac Kahuku

Aca,!Ac Kaimuki

Aca,!Ac Kapaa

Aca,!Ac Kealakehe

Aca,!Ac Konaweana

Aca,!Ac Leilehua

Aca,!Ac McKinley

Aca,!Ac Nanakuli

Aca,!Ac Roosevelt

Aca,!Ac Waianae

Aca,!Ac Waimea

Aca,!Ac Waipahu

(Editor's note: Cadet Tiffany Tang, McKinley High School JROTC, contributed reporting.)