By Donn Blomerth, JLTA Camp Commander

& Jay M. Woodward, Pony Express Editor

    On July 12-15, NNED Royal Rangers held the Junior Leadership Training Academy (JLTA) in Anson, Maine.  32 boys and 18 Leaders came for this important and exciting training event for boys.  The academy was actually three different camps in one:  Discovery Training Camp (DTC) for Discovery Rangers, Adventure Training Camp (ATC) for Adventure Rangers, and Junior Training Camp (JTC) for boys who have completed 7th grade.     The campsite was named Haynesville in honor of Pastor Tim Haynes and his son Jonathon, who own the large, open fields and woods in which the camp took place!

    As a specialized training event for the boys, the preparation for JLTA was done by the host Outpost, OP 21 in Madison, Maine. By Thursday morning the Camp Staff was ready for the boys, who were about to begin a challenging and exciting three days!  After an opening ceremony in which colors were presented by NNED Security Color Guard,  the boys were split up into their various age groups, and began their own different challenging courses.  

    
    The most important element of the JLTA was the spiritual emphasis, which helped boys draw closer to the Lord.  Each night, for each of the different age groups, there was a Council Fire and devotion, which drew boys and leaders into the presence of God.  Boys opened themselves up to the Holy Spirit during these wonderful times in front of the warm fires!     

    Sunday morning brought JLTA to a wonderful conclusion.  Following breakfast, there was a church service in one of the classroom tents, with Pastor Scott Carlson of Bethel, Vermont  giving an inspiring and motivating sermon.  Later in the morning, with parents and our District Commander present, there was the graduation ceremony, as boys were given their certificates of completion for their respective camp, and medals were given to each patrol.  Both ATC patrols, the Lightning Hawks and the Thunder Hawks, received the Gold Patrol medal! Also, Staff members were given certificates of recognition for their hard work and devotion during the weekend.  After this, everyone was dismissed, and JLTA 2007 came to a close!
    

    JLTA 2007 proved to be very worthwhile to all involved!  Indeed, the impact of this year’s JLTA will be felt in NNED and its Outposts for years to come, as it was not just about training boys, but much, much more.  On the first day of the camps none of the patrols were able to effectively work together. On the last day of the camp much was learned about paying attention, obedience, and sharing the workload as a team effort. This was the second NNED JLTA under the new program. Our first camp was held here in 2005 with 12 boys in attendance.  This camp graduated 32 boys, and focused on training our future leaders, and giving our present Commanders and Staff a hands on experience in serving on a Boy’s Training Camp. Special thanks to all the men who served on staff and made this event succeed. Many update changes were made to the ATC and JTC Camps program during 2006 by the National Office. Our first NNED young man to graduate from a 5th Boy’s Camp entitling him to wear the JLTA Sabre, Riley Paquette, was on hand in uniform to demonstrate the Sabre. He graduated from his 5th required camp and was presented the Sabre by The Southern New England District, one of the very few districts yet to offer the Sabre. To all the boys and leaders who were at JLTA, NNED is indeed very proud of you!