Building Leaders and Making Memories

Basic Leadership Training, also known as BLT, went from Friday September 30th to Sunday October 2nd. Hosted by Chaparral’s own NJROTC unit, Naval Science Instructor Senior Chief Stephen McGovern teamed up with several other schools in the area to create a weekend dedicated to developing confidence, discipline, and attention to detail in the incoming cadets. The unit leaders from each school also came to support and mentor their people, making it easier to get through the training. Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Alexa Santoyo, a senior at Chaparral this year, said that, “Teaching the basics to new comers in hopes of them becoming future leaders in the program … is why it's so important for new cadets to go through this.”

When checking in on Friday night, cadets received their first taste of how intense the weekend would be as they were prompted by the leadership to sound off to commands and move everywhere they were directed to with purpose. The Parent Support Group supplied meals to everyone in attendance throughout the weekend and the unit’s first aid team was on standby for any injuries. McGovern orchestrates the event to allow cadets to simply enjoy their time meeting new people and learning valuable leadership skills. He gives the mentors the tools to succeed and lets them organize and teach cadets so they can also grow throughout the weekend. Cadet Commander, Senior Madelyn Ravy stated that, “All we had to do really as leaders is set the example because that is the key to creating good followers.”
After physical fitness training Saturday morning, the upperclassmen prepared everyone for inspection from active duty Marine Corps drill instructors. Cadet Seamen Apprentice, Freshman Tyler Cohn said, “My favorite part of the weekend was the marine DIs. The most valuable lesson I learned was to keep my bearing at all times.” The inspection taught cadets that they needed to have confidence in themselves in order to succeed. Shortly thereafter, everyone was able to cool off and relax in the pool while also competing in relay swimming competitions and learning how to make floatation devices out of pants. That night each platoon (essentially the teams/groups everyone was divided into for the duration of the weekend) competed in different relays and athletic competitions as music played and people cheered one another on. Cadet Seamen Apprentice, Freshman, Isabella Enomoto reminisced on the sports competitions being the most enjoyable for her. She said she loved, “when we … played games, cheered for our platoon, danced, and overall just had fun.”
The next morning marked the closing of a memorable experience for all those who took part in it and symbolized their growth and hard work. They celebrated their ability to push everyone as a team, including themselves, while developing new skills in such a short amount of time. Santoyo emphasized how crucial teamwork was and how incredible it was to watch them implement it in their own ways, something they can undoubtedly take with them as they become leaders in the future.