Berkner JROTC provides cadets with opportunities to improve their leadership and interpersonal skills. Below are some of the opportunities that cadets can participate in. Some involve a participation grade.
Exploring post-secondary options is integral with our goal of helping cadets to succeed. Each year, cadets select a campus to explore that allows them to grasp the concepts learned in the classroom regarding their future plans after high school. During our college visits, cadets learn about scholarships, financing, campus housing, dining options, college life, and the importance of academic discipline. A typical one day field trip consists of a group tour of the facilities, a Senior ROTC briefing, college admissions briefing, and lunch at a college dining establishment.
This overnight training exercise is typically held at a military installation where cadets grow by participating in activities that cause them to improve their discipline, character, emotional & physical well being. Activities include a barracks inspection, physical training, kitchen police, road marches, confidence course, leadership reaction course, land navigation, one-rope bridge, marksmanship, communication, first aid.
This formal dinner and dance allows cadets to practice their skills in etiquette.
The ball begins with a receiving line where cadets introduce themselves and their guest to the host. After finding their assigned table, cadets honor our nation, presents toasts, and bless the event with an invocation. Entertainment might include a cake cutting, graduation announcement, or other ceremonious activities such as the grog ceremony. The grog ceremony is a punch that is made special by adding ingredients that honor the unit or builds character. The three course dinner typically includes bread, salad, main course, and a dessert. A guest speaker provides cadets with helpful insight into their lives and others. Following dinner, the JROTC Court is announced with a Battalion King & Queen, and each company's Prince & Princess. Following the court dance, the floor is opened to the mess for dancing and fun.
JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge, also known as summer camp, typically takes place in June for 4-5 days. Cadets from many JROTC units are assigned to a Cadet Company and participate in various STEM and military adventure training, such as
drownproofing;
ropes course;
leadership reaction course;
career, history, and arts field trips;
rocket/robot/drone design, construction, and/or programming;
sports and team building events.
Each year, cadets select a service learning project that is meaningful, and allows them to use the skills that they learn in the classroom in a real world situation. Past service learning projects include:
Honoring veterans at senior living residences
Honoring veterans at the Soldier's Home in Bonham, TX
Providing donations and touring the Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital
Honoring veterans by providing tours at the Military Heritage Collection of North Texas
Helping elementary & middle school students improve their interpersonal skills with team building activities
Providing care packages to military men & women overseas
Each year, JROTC recognizes cadets for their outstanding achievements during the school year. These cadets have excelled academically, displayed their leadership abilities, challenged themselves physically, and strengthened their character and emotional intelligence during events designed to measure measure leadership, citizenship, and teamwork.