Who We Are
The Young Marines strengthens the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to being productive members of society.
Who we are not
The Young Marines program is not a program for youths with serious disciplinary problems, substance abuse issues or lengthy histories in juvenile court. We are not a scared straight program or a correctional boot camp program! Furthermore, we are not a baby-sitting service nor a "trophy participation" organization!
Who can join
The Young Marines is open to all male and female youth ages 8 through completion of high school. The only membership requirement is that the youth must be in good standing at school. Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings, in 1958, with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 300 units with 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Japan.
Our Mission
The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Our Core Values
Discipline
Discipline requires that Young Marines show instant willingness and obedience to orders and the rules of the Young Marines program, their parents’ rules, and the laws of the land.
Leadership
Leadership is the ability to influence others. A good leader can effectively pass on from their leaders all that is expected to be accomplished. A true leader leads by example.
Teamwork
Teamwork is cooperation between those working together on a task. To truly understand teamwork, Young Marines must learn to listen to their leaders and peers, ask questions to ensure complete understanding, persuade their team that they can accomplish the mission, share in the glory and the failures of the team, and participate in the task as a member of the team.
The Creed
- Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
- Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
- Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
- Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home or at play.
- Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control by body and mind in case of an emergency.
The 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
Code of Conduct
Article I: I am an American youth, proud of my country and our way of life. I am prepared to dedicate myself to educating others and myself in the history, traditions, and institutions thereof. I will do my best to live by the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
Article II: I will never let another Young Marine down of my own accord. If in-charge, I will do my best to ensure the safety and well-being of those for whom I am responsible. I will immediately report any suspicious activity or behavior to a registered adult.
Article III: If I am offered drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, I will politely resist and refuse. I will make every effort to stay clear of situations involving gangs, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. I will not get involved in the same. I will also aid my friends and schoolmates to stay clear of similar situations.
Article IV: I will always be loyal to my fellow Young Marines. I will make no statements nor take part in any action that may bring discredit to my God, country, family and Young Marines. If I am the senior Young Marine present, I will take charge. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those senior to me and support them in every way.
Article V: When asked about the Young Marines Program, I will answer questions politely, respectfully and to the best of my ability. If I am asked a question that I do not know the answer to, I will refer the person asking the question to a registered adult. I will never give information that I am not certain of nor mislead those who are seeking information about the Young Marines Program.
Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American Youth and therefore the future of America, privileged with the freedom won and kept by the blood of those who fought to ensure our freedom. I am responsible for my actions and dedicated to the principles that made my country free.
