By Donn Blomerth, JLTA Camp Commander
& Jay M. Woodward, Pony Express Editor
On July 12-15, NNED Royal Rangers held the Junior Leadership Training Academy (JLTA) in Anson, Maine. 32 boys and 18 Leaders came for this important and exciting training event for boys. The academy was actually three different camps in one: Discovery Training Camp (DTC) for Discovery Rangers, Adventure Training Camp (ATC) for Adventure Rangers, and Junior Training Camp (JTC) for boys who have completed 7th grade. The campsite was named Haynesville in honor of Pastor Tim Haynes and his son Jonathon, who own the large, open fields and woods in which the camp took place!
As a specialized training event for the boys, the preparation for JLTA was done by the host Outpost, OP 21 in Madison, Maine. By Thursday morning the Camp Staff was ready for the boys, who were about to begin a challenging and exciting three days! After an opening ceremony in which colors were presented by NNED Security Color Guard, the boys were split up into their various age groups, and began their own different challenging courses.
The most important element of the JLTA was the spiritual emphasis, which helped boys draw closer to the Lord. Each night, for each of the different age groups, there was a Council Fire and devotion, which drew boys and leaders into the presence of God. Boys opened themselves up to the Holy Spirit during these wonderful times in front of the warm fires!
