Little Cadets, Big Confidence: A Navy Program for Westmont’s Youth
On a humid summer morning at a Midwestern training camp, 12-year-old David was doing something he never thought possible: standing tall in a crisp uniform, leading a squad of fellow cadets in morning exercises. Just days before, David had been a homesick kid struggling to get through his first overnight cadet “boot camp.” But with encouragement from his peers – “just make it to the next 30 minutes,” older cadets told him – he pushed through the discomfort. By graduation day, he was brimming with pride. “He absolutely loves the program and says they do so many fun things… The things these children learn will stick with them for life. During recruit training my cadet learned how to overcome emotional and mental hardships, a tool that will serve him for years to come,” says his mother . That transformation – from anxious to confident, from unsure to resilient – is exactly what the Navy League Cadet Corps is all about.
What Is the Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC)?
The Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) is the junior division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a Navy-sponsored youth program for kids roughly ages 10 through 13 (5th–8th grade) . Think of it as a hands-on leadership and adventure program modeled after Navy life, but without any future enlistment obligation. In fact, while cadets learn about the Navy and military discipline, “there is no requirement to join the military” afterwards . It’s all about building character and confidence, not recruiting. Boys and girls alike can join – all that’s required is U.S. residency, the minimum age/grade, and a willingness to learn and have fun .
Structured Weekend Training: NLCC cadets are organized into local units (there are about 400 units nationwide , including several in Illinois). These units meet for drills typically one weekend a month during the school year . For example, a Chicagoland unit might gather at a Naval reserve center or community gym on a Saturday. Cadets wear modified Navy uniforms and are taught by adult volunteers (often former military or civic leaders) who have passed rigorous background checks . The atmosphere is definitely “military flavored” – with salutes, “Yes, sir/ma’am,” and adherence to a chain of command – but it’s all tailored to be age-appropriate and nurturing. The goal is to provide the structure and teamwork of the armed services in a kid-friendly way. As the official mission states, NLCC training focuses on “seagoing military services, community service, citizenship, and an understanding of discipline and teamwork” . In plain terms: they learn to work hard, respect others, and take pride in themselves and their community.
What Happens on Drill Day?
So, what actually happens when these young cadets spend a Saturday at “drill”? Picture a day that’s equal parts PE class, Scout meeting, and leadership seminar. It’s fun, challenging, and absolutely never boring. In a typical monthly drill, a cadet’s day might look like this:
Physical Training (PT): First thing in the morning, cadets get moving. Expect jumping jacks, push-ups, curl-ups (sit-ups), running laps – a full calisthenics warm-up to get hearts pumping. They might do a timed mile run or a set number of push-ups and sit-ups to track their fitness progress. It’s boot camp-style exercise, but scaled for 11- and 12-year-olds (with plenty of water breaks and encouragement from instructors).
Military Drill & Inspection: After PT, it’s time to look sharp. Cadets line up for uniform inspection – shirts tucked, covers (hats) on straight, maybe even a quick shine on their shoes. They practice close-order drill, which means marching in formation, learning to respond to commands, and working as a team. Don’t be surprised if your child starts marching around the house or standing a little straighter – they take pride in this!
Hands-On Skills and Classes: Throughout the day, cadets rotate through activities that could range from STEM workshops to basic seamanship. One month they might learn to tie nautical knots or semaphore signaling; the next, they could be doing a first-aid class or a team leadership exercise. They’ll also learn about naval ranks, American history, or core values like honor and respect. It’s not school – there’s lots of practical, hands-on learning – but it does teach focus and follow-through.
Team-Building & Special Events: The cadets play team sports or competitive games to build camaraderie. They might split into squads for a scavenger hunt or a problem-solving challenge (imagine a “leader reaction course” where they have to, say, get everyone over an imaginary lava pit with two planks and a rope). Many units also have the chance to do extraordinary field trips, like touring a Navy ship or Coast Guard station, visiting a flight simulator, or hearing a talk from a military veteran. These special events are the unforgettable perks of the program that leave kids wide-eyed with excitement.
All of these components – physical fitness, drill, classes, and team fun – are common at NLCC drills . By 3 or 4 PM, when the drill wraps up, the kids are usually tired, a bit sweaty, and extremely proud of what they’ve done. Don’t be shocked if your once couch-loving child comes home and confidently shows you how to make a hospital corner on their bed, or asks if they can shine their shoes. (And yes, they’ll probably sleep soundly that night – win-win for parents!)
Beyond the regular monthly drills, the NLCC offers optional away training camps during school breaks. One of these is a Navy League Orientation – essentially a one-week “mini-boot-camp” that cadets like David attend during the summer. It’s more intense (sleeping in barracks, full days of training, limited contact home – a true growth experience) and is designed to put their skills and resilience to the test. These trainings typically last 7 to 9 days for League Cadets . They’re not required, but many cadets absolutely love the challenge and come back transformed – often with stories of overcoming fears and making lifelong friends from all over the country.
Building Confidence, Resilience, and Community
Why put your child in a program that has them saying “Yes, sir,” running laps, and shining shoes on a Saturday? Because the benefits go far beyond the drill hall. For many kids, especially after a few rough pandemic years, something like NLCC can be a game-changer for their confidence, character, and even mental health.
A Cure for the Couch and Anxiety: In an era when preteens often face anxiety, isolation, or too much screen time, the cadet corps offers a healthy alternative. It gives them structure and belonging. Instead of worrying about who likes their TikTok video, they’re focused on mastering a skill or helping their team. The program “instills values of discipline, accountability, and teamwork in a safe environment” where kids are challenged to step outside their comfort zones and end up “thriv[ing] with…confidence.” The shy kid who won’t look people in the eye can, within a few drills, become the one calling commands or mentoring a newer cadet. The routine and clear expectations can be very reassuring for anxious kids – they know when to stand, when to speak, and they earn praise for their effort.
Real Friendships, Real Mentors: NLCC is a team, and every cadet is part of it. Many children struggling with feelings of loneliness find a second family in their unit. They go through challenges together – whether it’s surviving a tough inspection or nailing a complicated drill movement – and that builds tight bonds. Older, more experienced cadets often take younger ones under their wing. (If your child has trouble making friends at school, just watch what happens when they’re all wearing the same uniform and working toward a common goal. Cliques disappear; camaraderie takes over.) One cadet, reflecting on his experience, said Sea Cadets “disciplined me, helped me grow into a better person, and made me stronger – mentally and physically” . They also make sure “you are never alone and always having fun with your friends,” he noted – it’s like the ultimate team sport with a purpose.
Fitness and Mental Health Boost: Let’s not overlook the obvious – NLCC gets kids off the couch and on their feet. The physical training aspect has huge upsides for health. Doctors will tell you that regular exercise improves mood and reduces anxiety in youth . When a kid who’s been sedentary pushes through a round of push-ups and completes a mile run, they gain not just strength but also confidence in their own abilities. They’re literally proving to themselves, “Hey, I can do this.” That empowerment carries over into other areas of life. Several parents of cadets report improvements in their children’s self-esteem and even academics after joining – they learn to set goals, manage time, and carry themselves with discipline. One mom told us she was amazed that after a few months her son was making his bed and doing homework unprompted – habits picked up from the program’s emphasis on responsibility. It’s no magic trick, just consistency and pride rubbing off on them.
Perhaps most importantly, NLCC is fun. Yes, fun – in a very engaged, adventurous way. Cadets get to do cool stuff their peers likely never will. They wear real Navy uniforms (what kid doesn’t think that’s cool?), go places civilians can’t normally go, and test themselves in ways that build grit. As one grateful parent put it, “I am beyond grateful to everyone involved in Sea Cadets… During recruit training my cadet learned how to overcome emotional and mental hardships… the things these children learn will stick with them for life.” It’s growth through challenge, in a supportive environment. Your child comes home taller (at least in spirit), tougher, and more confident – and they know they earned it.
Answers for the Skeptical Parent (FAQ)
It’s natural for parents to have questions – maybe even some healthy skepticism – about a program that introduces military structure to kids. Let’s tackle a few common concerns head-on:
“Is this basically military recruiting for my 11-year-old?”
No. The Navy League Cadet Corps has zero strings attached regarding future service. There’s “no requirement to join the military” later on . In fact, most NLCC cadets are too young to even think about that. The focus is on life skills: leadership, discipline, and citizenship. Sure, some teens who go through the Sea Cadet program (the older cohort) do decide to enlist or apply to service academies down the road – but that’s 100% their choice. Think of NLCC like ROTC’s kid brother or a naval-themed Boy Scouts; it’s meant to build character. Your child won’t get a sales pitch to sign up for the Navy. They will get a memorable experience that might spark an interest in military service, but if not, that’s perfectly fine. The only thing they’re “recruiting” for is better young citizens.
“How much time is this going to take? We’re busy.”
Surprisingly little, compared to many travel sports or other clubs. Typically it’s one Saturday (or one weekend) per month for the local drills . Drills are usually daytime only; some units do an occasional overnight lock-in for special training, but that’s not every time. There may be optional events or community service on a weekend here or there, but you can choose your level of involvement. Many families find this schedule very manageable – it won’t dominate your calendar. Summers might offer a voluntary week-long camp (as described earlier), but if your kid can’t attend, no problem. School comes first, and the program respects that. In short, NLCC is a minimal time commitment with maximal impact. It’s probably less time than the season of little league or dance class you’re already juggling.
“Is it safe? This sounds intense for a child.”
Safety is priority number one. All activities are conducted under close adult supervision by qualified instructors (all of whom undergo background checks and training) . Think of it this way: it’s like having a team of responsible scout leaders or coaches who also happen to know Navy protocols. The cadets are not handling real weapons or going on dangerous missions. They’re marching, learning, exercising, and maybe using practice equipment (at most, a target air rifle under strict supervision for the older kids, or a boat simulator – and even those are rare for the NLCC age group). The environment is structured, yes, but it’s also supportive and positive. Bullying or hazing is not tolerated. One of the beautiful things about the program’s military style is that it has built-in respect and accountability – everyone wears the same uniform and follows the same code of conduct. Injuries beyond the occasional scraped knee are exceedingly rare. If you’d send your kid to a weekend sports camp, you can feel just as comfortable sending them to drill. They’ll be looked after, kept hydrated, and encouraged every step of the way.
(Still have questions? Mighty Oak Athletic can connect you with current Sea Cadet families who are happy to share their experiences. Sometimes hearing directly from a fellow parent can set your mind at ease.)
From Push-Ups to Pull-Ups: How Mighty Oak Athletic Fits In
One unique aspect of the Navy cadet program is its physical fitness component. Cadets are encouraged to improve in exercises like push-ups, curl-ups, and running as part of their personal development. This is where Mighty Oak Athletic, Westmont’s own youth strength and conditioning hub, becomes an invaluable partner. Mighty Oak Athletic’s training philosophy is a perfect complement to what cadets do: it’s all about building strong bodies and minds. In fact, their program is specifically designed to “help kids build confidence, improve athletic performance, and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”
How does gym time relate to cadets? Think about those fitness challenges: a cadet might need to do, say, 50 curl-ups in 2 minutes or run a mile within a certain time. At Mighty Oak’s training sessions, kids are doing drills and exercises that develop exactly those abilities. They practice proper push-up form, work on core strength (hello, curl-ups), and build aerobic endurance with fun agility games and sprints. So when a cadet who’s been training at Mighty Oak shows up for a fitness test or a long day of drill, they’re ready to crush it. The result is a confidence feedback loop: success in cadet PT reinforces their confidence, which carries back into gym workouts, and vice versa.
Mighty Oak Athletic also emphasizes community and confidence, which mirrors the cadet corps values. The gym isn’t a competitive, pressure-cooker environment – much like the NLCC, it’s a supportive community where kids encourage each other and celebrate each other’s gains. Coaches at Mighty Oak are experts at motivating young athletes and newcomers alike. They know how to make hard work fun and how to adapt exercises for different ability levels. This means any kid, whether already sporty or just starting out, can benefit. And as a parent, you’ll appreciate that safety and proper technique are front and center (just as they are in cadet training).
Looking ahead, Mighty Oak Athletic is poised to be more than just a place to get fit – it could become a physical training partner for a future Westmont NLCC chapter. If there’s enough interest in town to form a Navy League Cadet unit, having a local facility like Mighty Oak to host workouts or prep sessions would be a huge asset. Picture Westmont cadets doing their morning calisthenics on the gym’s turf, or Mighty Oak coaches volunteering to run a special fitness clinic for the cadet unit before a big regional competition. The partnership possibilities are exciting and would ensure that Westmont cadets are among the toughest and most prepared out there. Mighty Oak’s motto is “Build Better Athletes,” but it might as well be “Build Better Cadets” too, because the strength, endurance, and confidence gained in the gym translate directly to success in the cadet corps .
(And hey, even if your child isn’t a cadet yet, getting them involved in strength and agility classes at Mighty Oak Athletic is a fantastic standalone way to boost their confidence and get them away from screens. They’ll have a blast – and you might just be prepping them for cadet life down the road.)
How to Get Involved
Does the Navy League Cadet Corps sound like something that could benefit your son or daughter? Are you intrigued by the thought of a Westmont-based training ship (that’s cadet-speak for a local chapter) where our kids can build courage, leadership, and fitness together? Here’s what you can do next:
1. Learn More: Check out the official U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps website (seacadets.org) for further information on the program’s history, national scope, and inspiring cadet success stories. You’ll see that NLCC and the Sea Cadets have a long track record of youth development since the 1960s, with alumni who’ve gone on to great things in all walks of life.
2. Express Your Interest Locally: Mighty Oak Athletic is rallying Westmont-area families who might want to participate. Interested families can contact Mighty Oak Athletic to let us know. If enough parents and kids raise their hands, we can work together to formally establish a Westmont NLCC unit. Reach out to Mighty Oak Athletic (stop by the gym on Cass Avenue, call 630-464-9498, or email Coach@MightyOakAthletic.com) and say, “Tell me more about the cadets!” There’s no commitment to sign up – we’re gauging interest and happy to answer questions or even arrange for you to meet current Sea Cadets or instructors.
3. Try a Prep Session: Not sure if your child is ready for quasi-military training? Come by Mighty Oak Athletic for a free trial class or one of our mini “cadet for a day” workouts. It’s a low-pressure way for your kid to experience some PT and team-building – and you can see how they respond. You might be surprised to find them asking when the next session is!
4. Spread the Word: Maybe your child isn’t interested, but you know a neighbor or classmate who could use this. Pass along the info! Often, once a few kids in the community get excited about NLCC, others will want to join their friends. The more the merrier – a prospective Westmont unit could take in a dozen or more new League Cadets.
Finally, imagine a year from now: a color guard of sharp, confident young cadets marching proudly at a Westmont community event, or volunteering en masse at the local food pantry with the discipline and heart they’ve learned from NLCC. That vision can become a reality. All it takes is that first step to get involved. This program is an inspiring opportunity for our youth to build discipline, confidence, and community spirit – and Westmont is exactly the kind of community that can make it thrive.
Ready to help launch the Navy League Cadet Corps in Westmont? Contact Mighty Oak Athletic today, and let’s empower our kids to be the strongest (and kindest) versions of themselves. Anchors aweigh – a new adventure awaits!
