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Devil Pups Youth Program For America
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Approximately 300 young men and women graduated from the Devil Pups program on Saturday,  Aug. 11, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Nine of the graduates were from Kern County:  Richard Sanchez and David Serrano (both recognized for being in the top 5 percent of their class for their physical fitness tests), Jonathan Cruz,  Anthony Flores, Michael Harper,  Jachele Howard,  Jashonte Howard, Phillip Radon, and Daniel Wilsted.
Every summer since 1954, select groups of youngsters have been participating in the Devil Pups training program aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It is a program for boys and girls, ages 14 to 17, to develop a sense of personal responsibility and self discipline within a military environment.
United States Marines were referred to as “devil dogs” in World War I by enemy troops they were fighting due to their accomplishments on the battlefield and “never give up” spirit. The name Devil Pups is derived from this Marine Corps heritage.
The Devil Pups program is designed to have a powerful, positive impact on the quality of life of young men and women in the community by educating and training them in principles of good citizenship, self control, confidence, discipline, teamwork, respect for others, their family and their country.
Marine Corps Escorts, highly trained in leadership, provide direction, motivation and training during the 10-day program. During their stay, Devil Pups live in Marine Corps barracks, eat Marine Corps chow, and participate in runs up to 5 miles and other conditioning exercises.
They are also taught first aid, participate in a bivouac, jump from a 35-foot tower into a swimming pool, and other innovative and interactive educational programs that are behaviorally oriented and tailored to boys and girls ages 14 to 17.  The government is reimbursed for food, lodging, transportation and other consumables by Devil Pups, Inc., a private non-profit corporation.
The program’s motto, “Growth through challenge,” helps to challenge and develop the young teenager’s mind with respect to their tremendous potentials in life. Notable Devil Pup graduates include actor Tom Selleck, and former USC halfback Mike Garrett.
Additional principles taught during the Devil Pup’s 10-day stay include nutrition, manners, how to achieve life goals and dreams, maintaining one’s image, and doing the right thing. Graduates realize they can accomplish much more in life than they ever felt possible.     
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood, as well as Dick Taylor from Kern County Supervisor Mike Maggard’s office attended the graduation ceremony.  Taylor also hiked up “Old Smokey” with the Devil Pups. Old Smokey is a 1,300-foot mountain on Camp Pendleton overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Once the Devil Pups reached the summit, each was given a “challenge coin” in recognition of conquering this culminating challenge.
Tim Linscott of Bakersfield, one of several dozen liaison representatives who help select kids into the program, also participated in the ascent up Old Smokey. Linscott is the coordinator for the several dozen liaison representatives who select applicants from California, Nevada and Arizona.
To enroll in the program or for more information, visit: www.devilpups.com or call the Kern County Liaison Representative at (800) 421-2171.

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