VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy cadets of Class 61 and their families enjoyed Family Day Oct. 19, 2024, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cadets conducted a pass in review and drill and ceremony demonstration for family, friends and Virginia National Guard leadership before enjoying several hours of food, fun and games with their guests.
Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard, the Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff, Command Chief Master Sgt. Kelly B. Reich, the VNG Senior Enlisted Leader, and retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, received a tour and briefing on Commonwealth ChalleNGe from Jen Lanz, director of Commonwealth ChalleNGe, and several Class 61 cadets.
“On behalf of Maj. Gen. James Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, I’m glad to be here to see what you’ve done so far in your first 14 weeks,” Hubbard said. “We are proud to be part of the ChalleNGe family and be able to sponsor this program. We’re so glad we could help make a difference and we’re very proud of what you’ve accomplished so far. Keep up the good work. You’re doing a great job.
“I really enjoyed that demonstration of your marching skills,” Hubbard told the cadets. “I was very impressed. So keep up the good work and thanks to the cadre for all your hard work.”
Hubbard also made a point to thank the families for their support of Class 61.
“Thanks to the families for all the support you’ve given us over the past 14 weeks and thank you for everything you’re doing for your cadet,” he said.
Commonwealth ChalleNGe is the Virginia component of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. ChalleNGe is a 29-and-a-half-month program which includes a five-and-a-half month residential phase, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase. The residential phase is a structured, quasi-military style environment designed to promote academics, attention to detail, time management, and leadership while promoting self-esteem, confidence, and pride.
“I believe in the ChalleNGe mission and I believe in my staff to do the work together to accomplish the mission,” Lanz told the assembled guests at Family Day. “Having witnessed the magic that goes on at ChalleNGe to provide opportunities for students to be successful in all areas of their life without barriers and distractions, it’s a true joy.
Commonwealth ChalleNGe is celebrating its 30th year in 2024.
“For 30 years Virginia has been supporting this program and it has changed the lives of over 6,000 cadets,” she added. “Virginia will continue to be a better community and thrive because of the lives that Virginia ChalleNGe has impacted. I look forward to all stakeholders today witnessing the growth and accomplishments of Class 61.”
CCYA operates two residential classes per year. Class 61 began in July is scheduled to graduate in December. Class 62 will begin in January 2025.
ChalleNGe is divided into three phases. The first phase is the Acclimation Period. This period is the first two weeks of the residential phase and consists of physical, leadership and mental challenges designed to test the candidates’ potential for success in the second phase of the program.
The second phase is a 20-week residential period that consists of academics, either high school credit recovery or GED test preparation, post-residential goal development, physical fitness, both individual and group counseling, life skills and team building.
The residential phase consists of academics and structured training that includes daily rigorous physical fitness exercises. A variety of extra-curricular clubs and sports are available.
TAC Officers (Teach Advise Counsel), also known as Cadre, are responsible for the cadets’ execution of the daily routine, physical fitness, personal hygiene, health and welfare, teaching ethical behavior and military science, and working together as a team. Physical training, drill and ceremonies, and barracks inspections are also integral parts of this training in teaching cooperation, tolerance of others, and teamwork.
Faculty members are responsible for academic training and instruction, which is supplemented by various off site field trips. Past field trips have included museums, the Virginia Aquarium, the state capitol, Washington D.C., and live theater performances.
The third phase of ChalleNGe is a two-year post-residential phase. This two-year advisory period is completed when the cadet returns home and has access to the guidance and assistance Challenge Career Advisors.
For more information about the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy call (757) 491-5932 or visit
vachallenge.org.