The Young Marines was founded in 1958 by members of the Marine Corps League. The program was founded 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 of 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.”

Young Marines make a pledge to maintain a drug free lifestyle and are encouraged to influence family, friends, and schoolmates to share this commitment.

The Heart of Texas Young Marines Program was formed in 2004. We have received our charter from National Headquarters and will be conducting our next boot camp beginning in February 2005. Youth that qualify may get involved with the Young Marines NOW! Join and be a part of History!

What is the Young Marine Program About?

The Young Marines Program provides an alternative for youth. The program seeks to install a sense of pride in the youth — pride in themselves, in their community and in their country. Both youth and adult staff help to police their own ranks because it provides the opportunity for our youth to develop self-discipline and motivation by exposing them to positive adult role models, instruction and guidance. The advocacy of a drug-free lifestyle is particularly important given the pervasiveness of the drug threat to our children today and the resultant violence and moral corruption that drugs lead to by their nature. In view of the damage that illicit drugs do to children and to the American society as a whole, the need to mobilize all available resources with which to fight the battle against their use is obvious.

What the Young Marines Program IS NOT:

The Young Marines program is NOT a summer camp, day care program or military school. If you are looking for a babysitter, don't look here... DO NOT expect the Young Marines Staff to raise your child. However, we will try to re-enforce standards of good behavior and academic achievement expected by any parent, as well as by society, for their child. We are not social workers, so don't expect us to work miracles in behavior improvement or behavior modification with your child. The bottom line is that's YOUR JOB as a parent.

When can you join?

We are forming NOW!! Our next boot camp will be in February of 2005. The recruits must be between the ages of 8 and 18. All new recruits will be informed at sign up what they will be required to wear. NO jewelry of any kind will be allowed except for medical alert bracelets. A complete list of gear for the boot camp will be provided to your child in your Recruit Welcome Package.

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.

We strive to help our youth who are struggling with their place in life.

We are a community organization that lends itself to helping the community through, trash cleanup, security at events, Color Guard Ceremonies, and we provide objective referees for sporting events.

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 (OOOHHHH RAAAHHHH)

The Young Marine Creed:

1. Obey my parents and all others in charge of me, whether young or old.

2. Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.

3. Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.

4. Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play.

5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.