Our Mission

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..

Drug Demand Reduction (DDR)

(From national website) The Young Marines youth organization took its drug demand reduction efforts to the next level by launching a new program titled, “Closing the Gate on Drugs.” The unveiling of the program took place at the annual Adult Leader’s Conference held June 4-7 in Washington D.C.

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation provided $90,000 in grant monies for the purpose of creating printed materials to use in producing and promoting an even more robust Young Marines Drug Demand Reduction effort. This resulted in the new slogan: “Closing the Gate on Drugs.” The word “Gate” links to what’s called “gateway drugs” which are tobacco, marijuana, prescription medication, inhalants and alcohol.

“The grant is the largest ever given by the Child Welfare Foundation,” said Mike Kessler, national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “Needless to say, we’re humbled by the foundation’s trust and confidence in us to be effective in our drug demand reduction efforts.”

Each unit is receiving the newly branded kit that includes stickers, tri-fold flyers, pledge forms, slap bracelets, activity books, key chains with a USB drive of the program and feedback forms. These printed materials are being distributed not only to the 300 Young Marines units but to schools and youth organizations in the communities as a part of the outreach program.

Young Marines Summer Programs, Adventures, Camps  and Schools (SPACES) refers to our summer programs available to qualifying Young Marines. Junior, Senior and Advanced Leadership Schools at the National Leadership Academy, the Great American History Adventure, National Flight Academy, Sisa - Hiking Alaska, Drill and Ceremonies School, Orienteering, Sailing Adventure, and Adventure Links are activities that expand and enrich the Young Marines experience.