Frequently Asked Questions
This section was designed to answer some of the questions most often asked about the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. If your question is not listed, please send an email or fill out the form on our Contact US page so that we may direct your question to the appropriate staff member.
General Questions About the Young Marines
Q: What is the Young Marines?
A: The Young Marines is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth education and service program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school.
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.
The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Young Marine units are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States.
Although the Young Marines is the U.S. Marine Corps' official focal program to the Department of Defense for youth Drug Demand Reduction, the Young Marines is not a recruiting force for the U.S. Marine Corps. We strive to instill the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment adopted by the Marine Corps to each of our members.
Q: What age groups are represented and what are the requirements to join? Top
A: The Young Marines is for boys and girls ages 8 through completion of high school. The only enrollment requirement is that a youth must be in good standing at school.
Q: Is the Young Marines similar to other community-based programs? Top
A: Yes. Young Marine units are community-based programs run by dedicated adult volunteers in over 300 communities across the United States, and overseas. Young Marine units are similar in nature to Boy/Girl Scout councils or Camp Fire chapters where the units meet once or twice a week.
Q: Where do Young Marine units meet? Top
A: Young Marine units meet at various venues such as schools, VFW halls, Elks Club Lodges, U.S. Marine Corps bases and reserve centers, National Guard Readiness Centers and Community Recreation centers.
Q: How many Young Marine units are there? Top
A: There are over 300 Young Marine units nationwide, including international units and affiliates in Okinawa, Japan, Germany and Australia. To check out other units, visit our unit locator.
Q: Who runs the local Young Marine units?
A: Each Young Marine unit is a independent community-based program lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them. They volunteer their time and make every effort to pass positive values on to those under their charge before other destructive influences take root. New volunteers are always welcome to apply, regardless of whether or not they have a background in the Armed Forces.
Q: How long has the Young Marines been in existence?
A: In 1959, members of the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League formed the very first Young Marine unit, the Young Marines of Waterbury Connecticut. By 1960, the Waterbury unit's membership had grown to over 300 boys and 20 adult instructors.
The Young Marines started gaining national attention in 1962 when the program had grown to 10 cities with over 1,500 members. The Marine Corps League officially chartered the Young Marines as a national youth organization on October 17, 1965. This date is the official "birthday" of the Young Marines.
By 1975, membership was extended to females and in 1980, the Internal Revenue Service granted the Young Marines status as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth educational organization. Since the Young Marines humble beginnings, current membership has grown to over 12,000 youth and 3,000 volunteers in 42 states nationwide, and overseas.
Q: How can my child participate in the Young Marines?
A: To learn more about enrollment dates, unit dues, unit activities, meeting times/locations, etc., contact the unit nearest you directly. To find the unit nearest you, visit our unit locator. The contact person/volunteer at that unit can let you know more about their local unit and tell you more about how your child can participate.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions? Top
A: Your best resource is to contact the Young Marine unit nearest you directly. The contact person/volunteer at the local unit level can give you more information about their unit's activities, meeting locations and enrollment dates. To find the unit nearest you, visit our unit locator.
A: The Young Marines is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth education and service program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school.
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.
The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Young Marine units are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States.
Although the Young Marines is the U.S. Marine Corps' official focal program to the Department of Defense for youth Drug Demand Reduction, the Young Marines is not a recruiting force for the U.S. Marine Corps. We strive to instill the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment adopted by the Marine Corps to each of our members.
Q: What age groups are represented and what are the requirements to join? Top
A: The Young Marines is for boys and girls ages 8 through completion of high school. The only enrollment requirement is that a youth must be in good standing at school.
Q: Is the Young Marines similar to other community-based programs? Top
A: Yes. Young Marine units are community-based programs run by dedicated adult volunteers in over 300 communities across the United States, and overseas. Young Marine units are similar in nature to Boy/Girl Scout councils or Camp Fire chapters where the units meet once or twice a week.
Q: Where do Young Marine units meet? Top
A: Young Marine units meet at various venues such as schools, VFW halls, Elks Club Lodges, U.S. Marine Corps bases and reserve centers, National Guard Readiness Centers and Community Recreation centers.
Q: How many Young Marine units are there? Top
A: There are over 300 Young Marine units nationwide, including international units and affiliates in Okinawa, Japan, Germany and Australia. To check out other units, visit our unit locator.
Q: Who runs the local Young Marine units?
A: Each Young Marine unit is a independent community-based program lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them. They volunteer their time and make every effort to pass positive values on to those under their charge before other destructive influences take root. New volunteers are always welcome to apply, regardless of whether or not they have a background in the Armed Forces.
Q: How long has the Young Marines been in existence?
A: In 1959, members of the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League formed the very first Young Marine unit, the Young Marines of Waterbury Connecticut. By 1960, the Waterbury unit's membership had grown to over 300 boys and 20 adult instructors.
The Young Marines started gaining national attention in 1962 when the program had grown to 10 cities with over 1,500 members. The Marine Corps League officially chartered the Young Marines as a national youth organization on October 17, 1965. This date is the official "birthday" of the Young Marines.
By 1975, membership was extended to females and in 1980, the Internal Revenue Service granted the Young Marines status as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 youth educational organization. Since the Young Marines humble beginnings, current membership has grown to over 12,000 youth and 3,000 volunteers in 42 states nationwide, and overseas.
Q: How can my child participate in the Young Marines?
A: To learn more about enrollment dates, unit dues, unit activities, meeting times/locations, etc., contact the unit nearest you directly. To find the unit nearest you, visit our unit locator. The contact person/volunteer at that unit can let you know more about their local unit and tell you more about how your child can participate.
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions? Top
A: Your best resource is to contact the Young Marine unit nearest you directly. The contact person/volunteer at the local unit level can give you more information about their unit's activities, meeting locations and enrollment dates. To find the unit nearest you, visit our unit locator.
Join San Antonio Young Marines
Q: Who can join the Young Marines? Top
A: The Young Marines is for boys and girls ages 8 through completion of high school. The only enrollment requirement is that a youth must be in good standing at school.
Back to Joining the Young Marines
Q: How do I join the Young Marines? Top
A: First, locate a Young Marine unit near you. You can find the unit nearest you by visiting our unit locator. Contact the unit directly to learn more about enrollment dates, meeting times/location, unit dues. etc.
Q: What is Young Marines Boot Camp?
A: Upon joining a local Young Marine unit, the youth undergo an orientation program, generally spread out over several weekly meetings. This orientation program is affectionately called "Boot Camp." The youth learn the general Young Marine subjects such as history, close order drill, physical fitness, customs and courtesies, and military rank structure. The youths do NOT attend a "military-style" resident program. This is not a program where you send your children for an extended period. On average, units meet once or twice per week year round.
Q: What happens after Young Marines Boot Camp?
A: After graduating from "Boot Camp", Young Marines continue the character building process and begin a life-long pursuit as productive and contributing citizens in their community, During the summer months, Young Marines have the opportunity to attend Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) offered by the National Headquarters.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Young Marines? Top
A: The cost varies from unit to unit depending on the location and economy. Using the unit locator you can contact unit closest to you and inquire as to the costs.
Q: Do I have to join the military if I enroll in the Young Marines? Top
A: No! Our members have no commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces as part of their membership in the Young Marines. Young Marine members enroll in the program, they do NOT enlist. The Young Marines is a youth education and service program, not a recruiting tool for the U.S. Armed Forces. While it's true that some of our former Young Marines DO choose to join the Armed Forces or attend military academies, the majority of our former Young Marines pursue their own career paths most that interest them.
A: The Young Marines is for boys and girls ages 8 through completion of high school. The only enrollment requirement is that a youth must be in good standing at school.
Back to Joining the Young Marines
Q: How do I join the Young Marines? Top
A: First, locate a Young Marine unit near you. You can find the unit nearest you by visiting our unit locator. Contact the unit directly to learn more about enrollment dates, meeting times/location, unit dues. etc.
Q: What is Young Marines Boot Camp?
A: Upon joining a local Young Marine unit, the youth undergo an orientation program, generally spread out over several weekly meetings. This orientation program is affectionately called "Boot Camp." The youth learn the general Young Marine subjects such as history, close order drill, physical fitness, customs and courtesies, and military rank structure. The youths do NOT attend a "military-style" resident program. This is not a program where you send your children for an extended period. On average, units meet once or twice per week year round.
Q: What happens after Young Marines Boot Camp?
A: After graduating from "Boot Camp", Young Marines continue the character building process and begin a life-long pursuit as productive and contributing citizens in their community, During the summer months, Young Marines have the opportunity to attend Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments, and Schools (SPACES) offered by the National Headquarters.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Young Marines? Top
A: The cost varies from unit to unit depending on the location and economy. Using the unit locator you can contact unit closest to you and inquire as to the costs.
Q: Do I have to join the military if I enroll in the Young Marines? Top
A: No! Our members have no commitment to serve in the United States Armed Forces as part of their membership in the Young Marines. Young Marine members enroll in the program, they do NOT enlist. The Young Marines is a youth education and service program, not a recruiting tool for the U.S. Armed Forces. While it's true that some of our former Young Marines DO choose to join the Armed Forces or attend military academies, the majority of our former Young Marines pursue their own career paths most that interest them.
Volunteer with the San Antonio Young Marines
Q: I'm interested in volunteering with the Young Marines. Do I have to be in the military? Top
A: Each Young Marine unit is a independent community-based program lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them. They volunteer their time and make every effort to pass positive values on to those under their charge before other destructive influences take root. New volunteers are always welcome to apply, regardless of whether or not they have a background in the Armed Forces. If you'd like to volunteer, contact the unit nearest you directly. View our Volunteer Registered Adult Application here
A: Each Young Marine unit is a independent community-based program lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them. They volunteer their time and make every effort to pass positive values on to those under their charge before other destructive influences take root. New volunteers are always welcome to apply, regardless of whether or not they have a background in the Armed Forces. If you'd like to volunteer, contact the unit nearest you directly. View our Volunteer Registered Adult Application here
Young Marine Summer Programs
Q: I've seen the acronym SPACES, what is SPACES?
A: S.P.A.C.E.S stands for Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments and Schools. Young Marine members have the opportunity to apply for the S.P.A.C.E.S. program. Each program has a set of application requirements, but one thing is common among all S.P.A.C.E.S. programs, the applicants must have graduated from Young Marines "boot camp" and have a minimum of one year in the program. Visit our SPACES link here.
Q: What summer programs are offered? Top
A: SPACES programs generally consist of the following types of activities as seen below. Visit our S.P.A.C.E.S. 2010 page for more information.
ADVENTURES
Civil War Adventure
Revolutionary War
Space Academy
Aviation Mach II
Mountain River Adventure
CHALLENGES
Canadian Cadet 1
(Canada)
Canadian Cadet 2
(USA)
Aviation Mach III
ENCAMPMENTS
National Encampments
Division Encampments
Reg. Encampments
Battalion Encampments
SCHOOLS
Advanced Leadership School
Senior Leadership School
Junior Leadership School
Q: Do I have to be a Young Marine in order to sign up for SPACES?
A: YES. Each program has a set of application requirements, but one thing is common among all S.P.A.C.E.S. programs, the applicants must have graduated from Young Marines "boot camp" and have a minimum of one year in the Young Marines program. Visit our SPACES link here.
Q: How do registered adult volunteers apply to be chaperones for SPACES events?
A: Registered adult apply in the same manner Young Marines apply, through the Young Marines Database System.
Q: Can I attend a SPACES events with my children?
A: If, after the close of the application period we still need adult chaperones for an event that your child has applied to, we may allow it. However, we try not to do this as we want your child to learn to interact with others independently and we have had parents that attend just to be with their children and we need adults there for all the Young Marines in attendance.
A: S.P.A.C.E.S stands for Summer Programs of Adventures, Challenges, Encampments and Schools. Young Marine members have the opportunity to apply for the S.P.A.C.E.S. program. Each program has a set of application requirements, but one thing is common among all S.P.A.C.E.S. programs, the applicants must have graduated from Young Marines "boot camp" and have a minimum of one year in the program. Visit our SPACES link here.
Q: What summer programs are offered? Top
A: SPACES programs generally consist of the following types of activities as seen below. Visit our S.P.A.C.E.S. 2010 page for more information.
ADVENTURES
Civil War Adventure
Revolutionary War
Space Academy
Aviation Mach II
Mountain River Adventure
CHALLENGES
Canadian Cadet 1
(Canada)
Canadian Cadet 2
(USA)
Aviation Mach III
ENCAMPMENTS
National Encampments
Division Encampments
Reg. Encampments
Battalion Encampments
SCHOOLS
Advanced Leadership School
Senior Leadership School
Junior Leadership School
Q: Do I have to be a Young Marine in order to sign up for SPACES?
A: YES. Each program has a set of application requirements, but one thing is common among all S.P.A.C.E.S. programs, the applicants must have graduated from Young Marines "boot camp" and have a minimum of one year in the Young Marines program. Visit our SPACES link here.
Q: How do registered adult volunteers apply to be chaperones for SPACES events?
A: Registered adult apply in the same manner Young Marines apply, through the Young Marines Database System.
Q: Can I attend a SPACES events with my children?
A: If, after the close of the application period we still need adult chaperones for an event that your child has applied to, we may allow it. However, we try not to do this as we want your child to learn to interact with others independently and we have had parents that attend just to be with their children and we need adults there for all the Young Marines in attendance.