HARLINGEN, TEXAS — Braelyn Jeffries of Boerne spent his summer taking on one of the most demanding youth leadership programs in the nation: the 28-day Summer Camp at the Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen.
Hosted each year beneath the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial, the camp draws young men from across the United States and around the world, including China, Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, and cities across Texas such as Dallas, Houston, Fredericksburg and Kerrville.
Jeffries, son of Christopher Jeffries and Analiese Jeffries, traded his summer routine for a month of early- morning physical training, military discipline and personal growth.
Upon arrival, he received his training gear, met his roommate and was given the traditional close-cropped haircut, a symbolic fresh start to four intense weeks.
During the program, Braelyn faced a wide range of challenges, including:
• Marine Corps obstacle and confidence courses.
• High and low ropes courses, building trust and perseverance.
• Close order drill, developing teamwork, followership, and leadership.
• Leadership reaction course, testing problem-solving under pressure.
• Marksmanship training with .22 rifles, air rifles and paintball.
• Sports competitions in basketball, soccer, dodgeball and kickball.
• Daily physical training, agility drills and long-distance running.
• Ironman Challenge, a campus-wide endurance event.
Instruction was led by Cadet Instructors, current MMA cadets who taught discipline, drill and ceremony and teamwork, guided by Drill Instructors — retired Marines who instilled leadership principles and the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“This isn’t just a camp; it’s a transformation,” said Sgt. Maj. Ford Kinsley, a 19-year MMA veteran. “Young men arrive as individuals and leave with the confidence, teamwork, and resilience that will serve them for life.”
The camp concluded Aug. 2 with a formal graduation ceremony, where Jeffries and his fellow campers showcased their accomplishments before family and friends.
Marine Military Academy’s leadership, including Col. Chris Dowling and Lt. Col. Richard Rodriguez, pride themselves on preparing young men for future success.
“We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t love it,” Dowling said. “It’s a calling to prepare these young men for life’s challenges.”
For Jeffries, the summer was more than a camp — it was a month of hard work, lasting friendships, and lessons that will shape his future.
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