Writer – C/SFC Juris Cabarles
Photographer – C/SFC Juris Cabarles & C/CPT Sofia Del Rosario (Public Affairs Officer)
Caption: “JCLC Cadet Challenge: V-sit”
Caption: “SSHS vs KHS Basketball game”
Cadets from the Tinian Stallion Battalion participated in this year’s JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), a four-day leadership camp designed to test cadets’ physical abilities, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. The event brings together cadets from different battalions across the CNMI to build camaraderie and experience what it means to lead under pressure.
A total of 25 cadets from Tinian and Rota’s battalions flew to Saipan on April 10 to join cadets from Marianas High School, Kagman High School, and Saipan Southern High School in this event. Each year, a different school is in charge of hosting, with Saipan Southern High School being this year’s host.
On the first day, cadets gathered at SSHS and waited for all schools to arrive. While waiting, cadets interacted with one another and began building friendships with cadets from different islands. Once everyone had arrived, they received a safety briefing before being transported to the Crowne Plaza Resort, where they would be staying for the duration of the challenge. That night, cadets participated in a fun icebreaker activity called “Mingle.” In this game, music would play while cadets moved around the area. When the music stopped, a number like “three” or “six” would be given. Cadets would then quickly gather together with the exact number of people as stated. If the number of people in a group were too high or too low, the whole group would be eliminated. The second game that occurred was a competitive variation of rock-paper-scissors. Cadets would pair up, play, and the loser would line up and cheer behind the winner until one final champion emerged. The games helped break the ice and encouraged cadets to socialize with others outside their battalion.
On the second day, cadets suited up in their Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms and were taken back to SSHS early in the morning. There, they were divided into groups and rotated between several stations. Each station taught essential JROTC skills, including knot tying and building a rope bridge, performing CPR and first aid, land navigation, and solving leadership reaction course challenges. Cadets spent two hours at each station, working with new peers and sharpening their knowledge and confidence. That evening, cadets gathered again at the hotel for a creative and energetic social activity, called “Bring Me,” where cadets raced to bring specific items to the front as fast as possible.
On the third day, each battalion selected five cadets to participate in the Cadet Challenge, a physical fitness competition that included push-ups or pull-ups, a shuttle run, sit-ups, the V-sit and reach, and a one-mile run. Later in the day, select cadets were chosen to compete in a timed obstacle course, testing their teamwork and athleticism. After that, a friendly volleyball and basketball competition was set up between the battalions. The day concluded with a brigade-wide tap-out game and two social events on our final night at the hotel, “Duck, Duck, Goose,” and “Avoid the Camera.” For the second game, each battalion commander from different schools gets a group of cadets. From there, they stand in the middle with their phone. The goal of the game is for all cadets to run around and avoid getting their photo taken before the timer runs out, while the battalion commander spins around.
On the final day, cadets returned to SSHS in the early morning to clean up the camp and prepare for departure. With JCLC officially concluded, cadets from Tinian and Rota caught flights back home, carrying new memories with them.
When asked about their favorite part of JCLC, C/1SG Alexa Mempin from MHS said, “My favorite part about JCLC is having the opportunity to socialize with other schools’ battalions and engage in activities that helped me open my shell towards others. During our Round Robin, Sports Day, and our Night Social Hour activities, talking to other cadets in the JROTC program made me feel a lot more welcome with the program and the event itself. At first, I felt hesitant about socializing with them, but I soon became comfortable to the point I made lots of friends at the JCLC event.”
“My favorite part of JCLC would most definitely be the Social Hall Nights! I really enjoyed the games that we played, especially because I got to interact with different people,” said C/CPT Kimora Quitugua from KHS. What are your opinions on the activities they had during the event? “I honestly loved the activities, it was my first and last time being able to play the sports in JCLC, and it was exciting. The round robin was interesting because of all the stations. I loved the Leadership Reaction Course, where it teaches cadets to work together in an orderly manner,” said C/CPT Shanna Villaluz from SSHS.
“It was alright, the things I learned and brushed up on was enjoyable. The sports day really brought out the passion and heart of all the cadets to represent the island and schools, I really loved the fire and vibes of it,” said C/SFC John Tobongbanua from RHI.
“The sports were a good addition to the program, and the stations at the round robin taught me a lot in a very fun way, like rope bridging and land navigation. The only downside was the blazing sun, but that was to be expected in the afternoon. The cadet challenge had all of us cheering our voices out for our peers, and it helped me gain more respect for them,” said C/SGT Johndel Almonte.
And finally, what do you expect in the next JCLC? “For the next JCLC, I hope to see even more activities scheduled throughout the day. I’d also love to see the return of the company assignments from day one since it was a great way to mix with new people and build camaraderie,” said C/1SG Iris Lin.
“I hope future JCLCs continue grouping cadets by battalions, because it really encourages interaction and camaraderie across schools. I’d also love to see more team-building activities where every cadet can participate and contribute. That kind of environment helps build leadership, trust, and stronger connections throughout the entire camp,” said C/LTC Sayera Sidur from RHI.
To conclude, JCLC 2025 was more than just a camp, it was a chance to meet new people, grow as leaders, and create unforgettable memories. From the early morning formations to the late night laughs, every moment brought us closer together. To everyone who took part, you all did amazing, and we’ll miss you. We hope to see everyone again next year!