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5th Battalion California Encampment Beauty and Obstacles By YMLCpl Keira Base Eagle CA This Summer our unit had the privilege of attending the 5th Battalion Beach Encampment. This was my first Battalion Encampment. The units that attended included San Gabriel Valley LCpl Kenneth Worley Southland and Eagle. My first thought was this will be fun and will be very testing because I saw the obstacle course just next to the encamp- ment site.The first thing we did that day was set up our tents. In the evening we received our Encampment brief discuss- ing rules and regulations on how to conduct ourselves. Then we were assigned Firewatch. I stood watch at 0100-0200 with several other Young Marines from the other units. As we performed our duties we looked at the stars the Big Dip- per and other constellations we also could hear and see the Pacific Ocean. The sound of the waves hitting the beach was truly beautiful. The next day we had a demonstration of the Marine Corps Obstacle Course. The Marines helping us taught us that 50 percent is technique for overcoming each obstacle. Then we were formed in groups of four each from different units. We started from the Pushup Position. The four of us soon found out that we needed to work together to climb over and through each obstacle I had trouble on the last obstacle. All Young Marines were so motivated that the Battalion Com- mander gave us the opportunity to go through the Obstacle Course a second time. We were rather tired by the time we reached the last obstacle the second time.We were also really hungry. We said our prayers and our breakfast really tasted good. After breakfast the Battalion Field Meet started. The Senior Young Marines picked teams from each unit and then we had the O-Course Competition. All the Young Marines were motivated and cheered on their team mates.After we were donewe got our swim gear on and went to the beach. We started the rest of the Field Meet. We had Volleyball Tug of War and Firemans Carry. Each unit had teams competing for several hours. The adults prepared the burgers and hot dogs. Then we had time for swimming and building sand castles. I learned that for many of the Young Marines this was their first time at a beach. In the evening we ate more chow and cleaned up the beach site. I was excited to get assigned Firewatch again. It is so beautiful on the campsite on the beach. The last day we con- ducted a police call and packed up our tents. After breakfast we had the announcements of winners of the 5th Battalion Field Meet. The LCpl Kenneth Worley Unit won most of the events and were the 5th Battalion Field Meet Champs. It was wonderful to meet other Young Marines from around other parts of California. I am grateful that my parents enrolled me in the Young Ma- rines and thankful for all the volunteer adults for everything they do for the Young Marines. Sixth Division Units Assemble for a Day of Competitive Events By YMGySgt Tyler Smith and YMCpl Destin Smith Chino Valley CA Last February a Sixth Di- vision competition was held. The units present were South- land Santa Clarita Southeast County Tustin San Gabriel and finally my unit Chino Val- ley Young Marines. We started the day by watch- ing my units first place Drug Demand Reduction video. Af- ter that Young Marines from each unit could choose between taking an academics test based on Marine Corps history or competing in the half mile relay race. The race was a lot harder than I expected since we had to carry our units guidon which slowed us down. After the race we all got 15 minutes to relax for the bike Relay which included all the senior Young Marines in each unit. Addi- tional competition events that day included a tricycle race between the units seniors in charge and a free for all dodge- ball competition. Finally six Young Marines had the privilege of playing the Police Explores in a game of basketball while other Young Marines who werent able to play cheered them on. Of course the Young Marines won The final score was 41 to 20. YMGySgt Tyler Smith was named MVP. Throughout the day the Young Marines encour- aged and supported each other. Every Young Marine strength- ened each others knowledge and abilities to do more. After the game all the units gath- ered together to accept our medals. Southeast County Young Marines took honors in every cat- egory and had all the trophies but at the end of the day we all held our head up high with big smiles.Young Marinesyou all rock and it was a fun and exciting day meeting old friends and making new ones. We had the opportunity of meeting our Young Marines Na- tional Executive Director Mr. Bill Davis who I believe had a great time with us. Spirited competition among Sixth Division Young Marines. Page 24 ESPRIT