Dedicated mentors, growth opportunities, and valuable life skills. Follow us for event updates and activities! **About MCAS Tustin Young Marines**
**Our Mission: Building Tomorrow's Leaders, Today.**
At MCAS Tustin Young Marines, we are passionate about empowering young boys and girls (ages 8 through high school graduation) in Southern California to become responsible, confident, and drug-free leaders. We strive to meet the critical need for positive youth development by instilling core values such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline, all while fostering a strong foundation for success in every aspect of life.
**What We Do: More Than Just a Program, It's a Transformation.**
As part of the nationally recognized Young Marines program, we're proud to be an award-winning organization that shapes young lives through a holistic approach:
- **Character Development:** We emphasize building character, promoting good citizenship, and encouraging active community service, ensuring our youth grow into compassionate and responsible individuals.
- **Leadership Training:** Our program equips youth with essential leadership skills, boosting their self-confidence and enabling them to inspire their peers.
- **Academic Excellence:** We are committed to academic achievement and provide resources to help our members excel in school, setting them up for a bright future.
- **Veteran Appreciation:** We honor our nation's veterans and their sacrifices through dedicated activities, fostering respect and gratitude in our youth.
- **Community Service:** Community service is at the heart of our mission. Our dedicated team actively engages in various initiatives that benefit the local community. From assisting civic and government offices with community events to providing color guard services, marching in parades, and participating in drug reduction efforts, we are committed to making a difference. By joining us, you can witness the positive impact we create together, one project at a time.
- **Drug-Free Lifestyle:** We educate our members about the risks of drug use and encourage healthy choices. Our participation in Red Ribbon Week and support for the Red Cord Initiative embody our commitment to fostering a drug-free lifestyle.
- **Recruit Training:** When youth join a local Young Marine unit, they undergo a 26-hour orientation program known as Basic Recruit Training (BRT). Participants learn about history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure. After completing their training, they have the opportunity to develop even more skills, earn rank, don the Young Marine uniform, and work towards earning ribbons in various areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education.
**Our Story: From Humble Beginnings to Lasting Impact.**
The Young Marines started in 1959 when a group of former Marines in Connecticut aimed to instill Marine Corps values in young boys. What began as a single unit has grown into a global network of over 200 units with more than 5,000 youth participants. At MCAS Tustin Young Marines, we continue this legacy, positively influencing the lives of youth in our community. We are equipping our Young Marines with the skills and values they need to become productive and responsible citizens.
**Support Us**
We invite you to join us in our mission to build tomorrow's leaders today. Your generous contributions help fund our programs, enabling us to reach even more young individuals and make a lasting impact in their lives. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our communities. Thank you for considering supporting the MCAS Tustin Young Marines!
