The Junior Leadership Development Academy (JLDA) is designed to assist a boy in his leadership journey. It consists of several events that are held annually that will give boys fun-filled, intentional leadership training, along with powerful spiritual development opportunities. This training experience is designed to be a catalyst and springboard of spiritual encouragement. The following is a current list of the JLDA events endorsed by the National Royal Rangers Ministry:
JUNIOR TRAINING CAMP (JTC)
JTC is a district training event for boys in the 7th grade or above. JTC focuses on leadership development in the local patrol and group. JTC can be offered in a camping, retreat center, or church venue. JTC is a required event for the Trial of the Saber Award. JTC will help boys discover answers to these questions:
- What are my God-given (natural) talents and strengths and how am I developing them?
- Do I have what it takes to be a godly man?
- What is God’s plan for my life?
ADVANCED JUNIOR TRAINING CAMP (AJTC)
AJTC is a district event for boys in the 8th grade or above. AJTC focuses on leadership development by serving in group and church leadership roles for young men. AJTC can be offered in a camping, retreat center, or church venue. AJTC is a required event for the Trail of the Saber Award. AJTC will help boys discover answers to these questions:
- Am I following God’s plan for my life today?
- How am I developing my godly character?
- How am I helping (serving) others?
JUNIOR ACADEMY (JA)
Junior Academy (JA) is designed to prepare men and young men to serve as leaders/instructors at RTC, JTC, AJTC, Action Camps, and further equip them for service in the local outpost and the local church. JA has a strong focus on mentoring and staff training. JA is a two-stage process. Stage 1 offers training in staff orientation and theory (pre-event). Stage 2 is the practical application of Stage 1 and involves staff in training at a JLDA event. JA can be offered in a camping, retreat center, or church venue.
Prerequisites for boys:
- Completed JTC & AJTC (see below)
- Completed an Action Camp (minimum of one)
- Completed the 9th grade
Prerequisites for men:
- Completed the Ready and Safety Level of the OLAL.
- Pastor’s signature confirming background check completed
- Invitation by district leadership to attend
Those who complete the Junior Academy will be challenged to answer these questions:
- How do I help others to find God’s plan for their life?
- How am I helping to develop godly character in others?
- Who are those in need and how can I serve?
- How am I improving as an instructor?
- Am I emulating a Christlike life worthy of following?
