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.)
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