JUNIOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
ACADEMY
Junior Leadership Development Academy [JLDA] creates an environment for boys and young men to come together from many different outposts and backgrounds to learn to work together and fine-tune their leadership skills. JLDA supplements the leadership skills learned in the weekly Ranger meetings with the opportunity to earn merits by providing instruction in specialized skills that local Outposts may not be able to offer. The Camps, which are held annually, give boys fun-filled skill activities, intentional servant leadership training, and powerful spiritual development opportunities.
As the cadets progress through the Academy Camps, they experience growth in all. aspects of their lives: mentally by learning new skills, physically by experiencing new challenges, spiritually with opportunities to develop a closer personal relationship with Jesus, and socially by meeting new people and making friends in a team environment.
3 STEPS TO EARN YOUR ACADEMY SABER
Complete five of these Camps to earn an Academy Saber to be worn as part of your uniform
1. Start by completing both these leadership TRAINING camps
Academy starts with JTC
Your journey to your saber begins with Junior Training Camp [JTC]. JTC focuses on leadership development in the local patrol and group. In this camp, you will lead and work as a patrol (team) and be introduced to the Adventure Camps. In preparation for those camps, you will learn essential outdoor skills; earning the green Camping merit.
Discover your talents at AJTC
Your next stop on your journey to your saber is Advanced Junior Training Camp [AJTC]. AJTC focuses on leadership development by serving in group and church leadership roles for young men.
You will discover your role in the leadership of your church, community, and missions.
2. Go to three of these Adventure Camps:
Frontier Adventure Camp
Royal Rangers that are at least 11 years old may attend this camp. Experience life on the frontier in the 1800s, learning and practicing skills, using the tools and techniques of the frontiersman. Cooking over an open fire; throwing hawks; primitive archery; and other activities. Join the fun adventure of living on the frontier. You will earn the Knife & Hawk Merit.
Winter Survival Adventure Camp
For JTC graduates. Winter Survival Adventure Camp (WSAC) provides instruction in outdoor survival, where you and your patrol will construct a Quinzee (snow cave) to sleep in. You will earn the silver Winter Camping merit.
Canoeing Adventure Camp
For AJTC graduates. Experience the freedom of gliding across the open waters with a buddy in your canoe, packed with food and supplies for two days. Enjoy the stunning scenery.
Canoeing rivers and lakes can be a fun and adventurous way to explore nature. You will earn the (green) Canoeing Merit.
Backpacking Adventure Camp
For AJTC graduates. Hit the trail for an adventure in the forest as you learn the essentials of backpacking. Hikers will carry their gear and food in backpacks as they navigate their way to their campsite. Hiking can be a fun and adventurous way to explore nature. You will earn the (green) Backpacking Merit.
Survival Adventure Camp
For AJTC graduates. Enjoy the challenge of living off the land for three days as you and your buddy build your own shelter, start a fire, learn to trap your own food, and filter your water. You will earn the (green) Primitive Shelters, (green) Primitive Snares, and (silver) Wilderness Survival Merits.
Shooting Sports Adventure Camp
For AJTC graduates to compete in various shooting sports disciplines with their peers at Shooting Sports Adventure Camp (SSAC). Rangers will shoot smallbore rifles and shotguns at the Shooting Range during this camp.
3. Receive your Academy Saber
Congratulations you have completed the requirements to earn your Academy Saber! We want to recognize your accomplishments at All-Boys Camp; and at a special banquet dinner in conjunction with the RR WNMD Leaders Conference, where you will be awarded your Academy Saber.
Parents and families are invited to attend the dinner and ceremony. The Leaders Conference is held every two years; a special invite will be sent for those graduates that will be awarded their saber at this event.
There is an additional charge of $50 for uniform supplies (beret, gloves, belt, sash and saber frog)
As a JLDA graduate, you can also be recognized to wear the Trail of the Saber award by completing the requirements as noted in: https://royalrangers.com/training/junior/tots
Academy Graduates - Junior Academy
Elite Junior Academy
For Academy graduates to complete their leadership training, candidates assist in running the Academy and help mentor younger academy campers.
