Donate: Invest In Our Youth & Future – Support our Saddleback Young Marines Program

Boys & Girls Ages 8-18

Dear Friends,

As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” It is with these words in mind and for that reason alone, our Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment, with your help, would like to more vigorously support our Saddleback Young Marines Program (SYMP).

Our Saddleback Young Marines, which is a community based Youth Program, are located here at Camp Pendleton and lead by adults, often times retired or active duty Marines, who freely volunteer their time in support of this worthwhile effort. The Mission of the Saddleback Young Marines organization is to offer programs which nurture good moral, mental, and physical health while focusing on character building, leadership, and a healthy drug free lifestyle.

Following the purchase of their uniforms which cost $125 and 26 hours of orientation training spread out over several weekly meetings which is called “Boot Camp” (Learn Marine history, customs, courtesies, close order drill-marching, physical fitness, military rank structure, etc.) they are then prepared as Young Marines to fully engage in and enjoy the benefits of the program. Above all they learn the meaning of Honor, Courage and Commitment which will be carried with them throughout life.

As part of their training they learn survival & wilderness skills, water based skills, the experience of constructing an encampment, forced marches, plus many other outside simulative activities. During the course of a given year our Young Marines will participate in Memorial Day Services, celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, embark on a three day Camp Pendleton encampment, tour several Marine & Naval Facilities, attend the Blue Angles Air Show, and so much more.

We, with you support, would like to help perpetuate and help fund many of their activities and outings so that we may plant and grow the seeds of our future. Please make your generous donation via our secure PayPal Link on this page. If you prefer, send your check (Memo Section: Saddleback Young Marines) to our Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment, P.O. Box 3775, San Clemente, Ca 92674-3775.

Thank You for helping us provide a better future for our Youth.

Semper Fidelis, Pete Hammer-Commandant Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment