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The Raiders program hosting a summer camp this year

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By Madi Lietz
June 11, 2022

This summer, Raiders camp is providing an opportunity for students looking to get in shape, have fun, and learn skills important skills. With no Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) commitment required this camp gives students “nothing to lose”.  

The Raiders summer camp gives a look into the Raiders program. Raiders teams are a part of most JROTC programs. The Raiders program is where kids can compete against each other doing physical challenges. 

Teens will get to run through obstacle courses, jump through things, swim, and various other physical activities. The Raiders summer camp also provides participants with leadership and team building skills. 

“I love to see the kids work as a team, they get thrown into a bunch of different challenges,” said retired MSgt Javier Martin-Vinas. MSgt Martin-Vinas is the AFJROTC teacher at McNary and instructor in charge of the Raiders summer camp and team. 

If students would like to continue Raiders after the summer camp they can join McNary’s AFJROTC program and be a part of the Raiders team. If joining AFJROTC is not an interest then the summer camp is still open for participants to have fun. 

“What do you got to lose? It's summer, come on out, have fun, learn some skills, at the end of the day there is no commitment so come and have fun,” said MSgt Martin-Vinas. 

Oregon currently does not have a Raiders team. Students who join next year will be a part of the first team in the state. McNary has already been approved and invited to three competitions. The team will get the chance to compete nationally at Georgia and a competition at the end of the year in Hawaii.  

“You have a bunch of athletes and they’re the best at their sport, but this one is a team event,” said MSgt Martin-Vinas. “I’ve seen a bunch of teams who are not as physically challenging but they win because they work together vs. the team with all the big strong athletes who don’t win because they’re always fighting”. 

The Raiders camp this summer is open to all incoming grade levels. Including incoming freshmen.