VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy staff, cadets and their families enjoyed Class 62’s Family Day May 17, 2025, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Cadets conducted a pass in review and drill and ceremony demonstration before enjoying several hours with their families and friends, who were invited to tour the ChalleNGe facilities and meet staff.
Col. Jeff Wagstaff, Senior Army Advisor to the Virginia Army National Guard, retired Col. Everton Nevers, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Emily Huffman, the commander of the State Military Reservation, Jen Lanz, director of Commonwealth ChalleNGe, and Jerome Ferrette, the Commonwealth ChalleNGe deputy director, were on hand to receive the pass in review.
“As young leaders and future change-makers, remember that every effort you make today lays the foundation for your tomorrow,” Wagstaff told the cadets, who are slated to graduate in June. “So, set high standards for yourself. Don’t shy away from challenges; embrace them! Believe in your potential, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
In addition, CCYA recognized retired Air Force Tech Sgt. Adrian Hampton, who is celebrating 20 years of employment with the CCYA. He later joined a Class 62 cadet in a ceremonial cake cutting to recognize CCYA’s 30th anniversary.
“For 30 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia has supported this life-changing program, positively impacting the lives of over 6,000 teens in Virginia,” Lanz said. “Because of Commonwealth ChalleNGe, Virginia is a stronger community and its youth are empowered to thrive.
“I fully believe in our mission and even more so the ability of our team to come together and carry it out with excellence,” she added.
Lanz then introduced and welcomed Jerome Ferrette, the new Commonwealth ChalleNGe deputy director.
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.
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.