Military kids are our nation’s tiniest but toughest service members. They endure more than meets the eye, often at ages so young that they cannot even fully comprehend the depth of their sacrifices.

Now, thanks to an amazing initiative set forth by the United States Marine Corps, they are getting their own taste of fun and exposure to just what it means to actually wear a United States military uniform!

The 2025 “Future Marine Bootcamp” Event Recap

Every September, Marine Corps Base Quantico in Northern Virginia opens its gates for the annual Future Marine Bootcamp, a one-day event designed especially for military children.

This year’s bootcamp, held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, brought together over 100 school-aged participants from across the Greater Washington, D.C., metro area. Kids ages six to fourteen joined the fun for a full day of physical activity, team challenges, and lessons about Marine Corps values.

The day was structured to provide an authentic, hands-on taste of Marine life, all in an encouraging, family-friendly environment that celebrates service, strength, and community. Activities included obstacle courses, tug-of-war, and land navigation, all in an effort to emphasize the importance of team building and strong community values.

“I think that inspiring the future generations of Marines is super important,” said Cpl. Kayli Merritt. “Events like this could be the first time kids experience Marines and servicemembers, and it could make a lasting impact on their lives, whether they decide to serve down the line or not.”

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Bootcamp Stations: Simulating Life as a U.S. Marine

Over 100 children ranging in age from six to fourteen signed up for the day of fitness and fun!

The event kicked off with participants “processing” into their respective groups on Barnett Field at MCB Quantico.

Following processing, the school-aged children rotated between five bootcamp stations to accurately give them a taste of “A Day in the Life” of a real United States Marine.

Each station emphasized a different aspect of Marine training, leadership, and teamwork:

• Supervised Marksmanship Training: Kids received hands-on instruction on a simulated shooting range, learning about safety, focus, and discipline.
• Physical Fitness and Obstacle Courses: The classic Marine challenge—testing endurance, coordination, and teamwork through relay races, rope climbs, and tug-of-war.
• Marine Corps History Lessons: Interactive sessions helped participants learn about the Corps’ proud history, traditions, and core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
• Leadership & Team-Building Exercises: Guided by active-duty Marines, children learned how to motivate their peers and build trust under pressure.
• Group Challenges: Each team faced problem-solving missions that required collaboration, communication, and mutual respect—key traits of every Marine.

Lessons Beyond the Field

The Future Marine Bootcamp is more than just a day of fun. It’s a program rooted in teaching physical resilience, teamwork, and emotional strength—skills that mirror the daily experiences of military families.

For many of the children, this event provides a tangible connection to their parents’ world of service, sacrifice, and camaraderie. It’s also a way for Marine families to bond and share pride in what they represent.

“I learned how to be a Marine,” said Jacoby Getty II, son of a U.S. Marine Major. “I played tug-of-war and learned about the Marine Corps Hymn.”

The day concluded with a closing ceremony, where all participants sang The Marine Hymn and received recognition for their hard work in a celebratory graduation ceremony—complete with applause, smiles, and well-earned “Mini Marine” bragging rights.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Missed this year’s event? Don’t worry—registration for the 2026 Future Marine Bootcamp will open next summer through the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Quantico website.

Keep an eye on the MCCS Quantico Events Calendar for early sign-ups, volunteer opportunities, and updates on next year’s program.

Spots fill up fast, and it’s no surprise why. Where else can kids crawl through obstacle courses, shout “Oorah!” at the top of their lungs, and graduate with a brand-new appreciation for the Marine Corps—all in one unforgettable day?

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