SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --
More than a dozen rising
ninth-graders from the Town of Cary, North Carolina, visited the base and local
businesses as part of the Camp Confidence program run by school resource
officers.
Camp Confidence is a mentorship
program for incoming high school freshmen, chosen by their school resource
officers, based on who they think will benefit the most from the program
intended to help guide them to a better future. There are two two-week programs
for boys and one two-week program for girls. The program aims to provide a glimpse
of some options available to students who choose the path toward graduation.
“This program is about helping them
keep an open mind and fill their tool box with options,” said Capt. Theodore
Ellis, 334th Fighter Squadron pilot. “It (helps) youth see and understand the
options available to them if they stick with their motivations, work hard and
support each other in the right circles.”
During the tour of the base, the
students learned about the F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, security forces and
what it takes to be an Air Force firefighter. They were able to touch the jet,
handle some firefighter equipment and explore the inside of a fire truck. The
students also toured and participated with several local businesses, such as a
racetrack, a chef’s academy, and a mock trial with lawyers.
“Camp Confidence helps you be a
better leader and explore job opportunities,” said a Camp Confidence student.
Ellis said the goal of the program
is to help young teenagers stick to a game plan and feel confident about their
choices and feels the program is worth it if Team Seymour Airmen and school
resource officers can help even one teenager see the opportunities available and
make good choices.
“I believe the kids learned a lot about Air
Force operations and the jobs they may never have seen before,” Ellis said. “The
kids get to see the type of people in the Air Force and what was important to
get to where they are. They benefit from seeing everything first hand, being
able to ask questions, and just interact and meet new people. The new
experience they had is something they will remember for years to come and
hopefully that drives their motivations.”