Officially, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the country.

Unofficially - and more to the point - JROTC is an opportunity for young people to gain self-confidence, leadership skills and have fun.

For approximately 360 JROTC cadets from nine area high schools, the 3-day Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Camp held last week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) gave them the opportunity to do just that.

"This gives cadets an opportunity to challenge themselves," said retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Meray, the camp commander, as cadets from Graham-Kapowsin High School rappelled off a 40-foot tower.

"You should have seen the smiles on their faces when they ate in the dining facility; they are really having fun here."

The Army JROTC program at Graham-Kapowsin High School coordinated the camp.

"Cadets Kenneth Proctor, Drake Figueroa and Michael Smith did an outstanding job of organizing this event," Meray continued.

Cadets representing Army, Air Force and Marine JROTC programs from Mount Tahoma, Bethel, Lincoln, Wellpinit, Snohomish, Rogers, Washington and Wilson high schools also attended.

"The camp is an orientation to the military," said Smith, a senior at Graham-Kapowsin. His exposure to the military will continue, as he will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

While at the camp, cadets participated in the aforementioned rappelling as well as land navigation, pool physical training, kayaking, and confidence and leader reaction courses.

"There is a lot of hands-on action here," Rebecca Dorsey, a senior at Graham-Kapowsin and a Running Start student at Pierce College, pointed out. "I am learning a lot and enjoying myself."

Standing by to help the cadets were Washington Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to recruiting and retention services.

"This camp is great in giving these young people a chance to see what we do in the Army," Staff Sgt. Shawn Heistand said as he helped cadets prepare for the rappelling tower.

As the afternoon passed, the cadets successfully rappelled down the tower.

"Interacting with other people and building confidence is vital," Nic Lawson, the parent of cadet Jessica Lawson, said. "When young people learn to confront and solve problems, that is a good thing."

For more information about JROTC, contact your local high school.