Cadet Kaylee Palmer, Coconut Creek High JROTC and Cadet Keelyn Rogers, Monarch High JROTC at the JROTC STEM Camp at NSU. {David Volz}
Keelyn Rogers, a cadet major in the Monarch High School Army JROTC, is attending a weeklong leadership camp at Nova Southeastern University.
She is developing her leadership skills and learning how to work with cadets in various situations. When Rogers returns to Monarch this fall, she will be one of the highest-ranking cadets.
“We have been learning about drones and robotics. This fall, I want my unit to do well with inspections,” said Rogers.
More than 350 JROTC cadets from South Florida are participating in the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) camp hosted by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS).
Major Thomas Johnson, a leader of the County JROTC program, was teaching a group of senior-level cadets the basics of leading an organization. He had each student give a speech and discuss approaches to leadership style. He had high expectations but kept the class fun.
Johnson showed the most senior cadets how to set up a training camp, and then they worked together to bring it all together. The cadets plan every aspect of the cadet training, including the meal plan, financing, and daily activities. “We want the cadets to run the program. We expect the cadets to respect one another and learn the importance of duty and honor,” said Johnson.
In addition to leadership, the camp focuses on critical thinking and technical skills through hands-on experiences with robotics, drone operations, and adventure training. All activities are aligned with STEM principles and prepare cadets for future academic and career paths, according to Johnson.
Broward JROTC students learn basic leadership skills by running the STEM camp at Nova Southeastern University this week. {David Volz}
Cadet Captain Paul Ditman, a member of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, has enjoyed the camp and has been learning about media relations. “As a leader, I have to respect the cadets and earn their trust,” he said.
The leadership opportunities are essential to Cadet Kaylee Palmer of the Army JROTC at Coconut Creek High School. “I enjoy learning about leadership and am looking forward to the fall,” she said.
Cadet Sabrina Grova, a group commander of the Coral Springs High School Air Force Junior ROTC, enjoys working with technology and learning about leadership. “I enjoy participating in this camp,” she said.
The opportunity to work with robots appeals to Cadet Saasha Prescott, a cadet in the Army JROTC at Coral Glades High School. “We have learned how to build and program robots, and we are working with drones,” she said.
The Cadet Leadership Challenge offers a unique educational opportunity, according to Colonel Jimmy Hall, coordinator for BCPS, JROTC, and Military programs. “We are proud to give our cadets skills that are relevant in and beyond the classroom,” he said.
“The JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge STEM Camp represents a unique fusion of leadership development and education,” said COL Jimmy Hall, BCPS coordinator, JROTC and Military Programs. “We are proud to give our cadets skills that are relevant in and beyond the classroom.”
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