CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Young Marines is a national youth organization for kids ages 8 through high school age that focuses on leadership, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. Modeled after the structure of the U.S. Marine Corps — complete with a modified boot camp — the program isn’t about recruiting for the military. It’s about preparing kids to become capable, confident adults.
In Clay County, the Black Creek Young Marines unit has become a powerful example of that mission in action.
The unit is run by retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mindy Wood, who has led the group for the last two years. Her son Hayden is one of its top youth leaders, a newly promoted Master Sergeant who started in the program when he was just 8 years old…