The Experience,
In Their Words.

Read authentic published comments from XMC families and program supporters about training, confidence and the family experience.

An adult and four XMC participants smiling together outdoors at Camp Liberty — Together at Camp Liberty.

These are individual published experiences from XMC families and program supporters. They describe the arrangements and courses experienced by the writer. For today’s requirements and communication arrangements, use the Current Course Pages and Family Communication Information.

Command Master Chief Misti Marcucci, U.S. Navy (Ret.), in uniform — Command Master Chief Misti Marcucci, U.S. Navy (Ret.) Former 5th Fleet CMC

Sergeant First Class Tommy Sullivan (Ret.) beside the 1st Ranger Battalion insignia — SFC(R) Tommy Sullivan 75th Ranger RGT Golden Knights Parachute Team

My grandson is so happy, excited, positive and feeling great about himself...you helped him to achieve a positive self-esteem and surpass goals he set for himself. He not only gained self- confidence but made lasting friendships and memories he will treasure his whole life.
Thank you so much! The pictures are also a comfort to the parents. I think this program is awesome!!! So organized and great with communicating to the parents!!!

Lois H., Grandmother of a Recruit in Cadet Basic Training

MORE EXPERIENCES FROM XMC FAMILIES

More Experiences from XMC Families.

Family accounts originally published in 2026. They describe individual experiences; course details and eligibility may have changed. Use current course pages when planning enrollment.

Kathleen C., Mother of a Recruit in Cadet Basic Training

We viewed this experience as a win-win. If our son hated it, it would allow him to move in another direction for his future. His sincere smiles, laughter and obvious brother and sisterhood with his peers is priceless.
The facilities are state-of-the-art. The staff provides the right combination of commanding respect and understanding their age. The recruits all seemed to readily want to push their limits and I am sure they have learned so much about life in general from the fine leaders. I can't wait to see first-hand how this experience has affected our son.
Thank you so much for providing this well planned down-to-the-last-detail experience. We also note that XMC is an exceptional value compared to other types of camps and comparative military programs. I give it the highest recommendation possible.
You seem to love what you do and it shows. Thank you!

Selected excerpt. Published family-account excerpt. Current policy does not promise daily photographs of every Challenger or activity. Current calls, photos and letters policy ↗

Kathleen C., Mother of a Recruit in Cadet Basic Training

Jennifer H., After Receiving First Phone Call During Cadet Basic Training

Such a wonderful surprise!!! The 'yes ma'ams' threw me off (I've never been called that before). I will sleep well tonight after getting an update from him. Thank you! Thank you!

This is one family’s experience of a scheduled call. Current call arrangements ↗

Jennifer H., After Receiving First Phone Call During Cadet Basic Training

Kathia D., Mother of a Recruit in Cadet Basic Training

I've been a single mom for all his life and it has just been us. Letting him go is difficult. I really do appreciate all the pictures, videos and updates. It helps me sleep at night. From the four letters I have received I gather he is enjoying it. I am constantly showing off the photos at work and a few parents are thinking of sending their kids next year.

Individual family experience; update frequency varies. Current communication policy ↗

Kathia D., Mother of a Recruit in Cadet Basic Training

Tiffany E., Mother of a Newly Graduated Cadet PV2

I know my son will now be able to carry that confidence into the upcoming year of JROTC and his future. A huge thank you to Colonel Land and others for helping my son to see his full potential.

Selected excerpt. Published family-account excerpt; individual outcomes vary. Current program expectations ↗

Tiffany E., Mother of a Newly Graduated Cadet PV2

Pamela C. - Mother of two sons who attended four weeks of CBT and the Cadet Field Leader Course

My two sons attended last summer and will return this year. I concluded on my own that they needed to learn more about respect and cleanliness. The change in their manners was immediate. Their demeanor was more settled, less boy, more man. The camp is tough but good for growing up. As for R-Day; pack only what is on the list.

Pamela C. · Mother of two sons who attended four weeks of CBT and the Cadet Field Leader Course

Laura Y. - After her son returned from Cadet Basic Training

My son knows now he can do whatever he puts his mind to. This camp gave him a new perspective on perseverance; he refused to give up, he kept going and did more than he thought he could do. The staff brought out his full potential. It was tough, but when he got off the plane he couldn't stop talking about what he had accomplished. You will NEVER regret sending your child.

Laura Y. · After her son returned from Cadet Basic Training

Delilah S., Las Vegas - Mother of a first-year Cadet Basic Training graduate and returning Cadet Ranger School graduate

My daughter was like a fish outta water when her older sisters talked about ROTC or the military, she was left out. Having her join XMC summer camp last year for 2-weeks, well, needless to say that I was a bit nervous because I did not know if she liked it or hated it. When she came home from 2-weeks training, she spoke about her experience non-stop, she LOVED IT!!!
My daughter was not able to grow and learn by staying home during the summer in front of the TV all day...she became an independent young lady ready to serve and make something of herself. XMC Camp is the best thing for male and females who are interested to know what the military is all about and if it's for them.

Selected excerpt. Published family-account excerpt. XMC is an independent civilian youth program, not military Basic Training or a military qualification. Program fit and purpose ↗

Delilah S., Las Vegas · Mother of a first-year Cadet Basic Training graduate and returning Cadet Ranger School graduate

Heather O. - Parent account of a first XMC summer

He said he is really proud of himself because there were many times his brain said he couldn't do something, but then he did it. He said he realized he is much stronger mentally than he ever thought he was.

Selected excerpt. Published family-account excerpt; individual outcomes vary. Current two-week Cadet Basic Training course ↗

Heather O. · Parent account of a first XMC summer

Austen F. - Parent account of leadership and personal growth

This camp has changed my sons life! It has also changed my family's life. Not only can this camp give practical core values to all youth, it can take a leader of peers, to a leader of leaders.
Absolutely the best investment I have ever made!

Selected excerpt. Published family-account excerpt. XMC requires voluntary participation and is not a behavior-treatment program. Program expectations ↗

Austen F. · Parent account of leadership and personal growth

Dori S. - Mother of a female Challenger

My 15 y/o daughter joined JROTC this year & made the Raiders team. However, she had some difficult times physically & mentally, so she wanted to find a boot camp this summer to help her.
As I researched the internet, I found many 'disciplinary' boot camps for parents to send their 'troubled teens' to. After much research, and many phone calls, Extreme Military Challenge! was the ONLY realistic military boot camp worth sending my daughter to!!
And now, thanks to Extreme Military Challenge!, their REAL military style Boot Camp, their professional Cadre, Drill Instructors, medical team & support staff....my daughter left behind her insecurities, her self-centeredness and her immature attitude! She is now a proud, mature, & respectful CADET that appreciates the term 'earn' vs 'privilege', family, values and helping others! She stayed for the Cadet Field Leadership Course...can't wait to observe further changes in my new young lady, and how this remarkable program will effect her decisions, her life and her future!

Individual family experience; this is not a promise of behavior change or a military-service credential. Program fit and purpose ↗

Dori S. · Mother of a female Challenger

WATCH THEIR PERSPECTIVES