The Crete-Monee High School NJROTC went on a community service camping trip on from Friday October 6th to Sunday, October 9th. On Saturday morning, they performed eight hours of community service. During their free time, cadets played games and a few cadets went fishing. They had a great time bonding and getting to know each other, telling stories, and singing around the campfire at night. Officer Petty Reed and the Booster parents spoiled the cadets by cooking a buffet style breakfast, hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch, and homemade spaghetti with salad and garlic bread on Saturday. Each night while sitting around the campfire, cadets had plenty of s’mores and snacks to eat while enjoying a hot cup of cocoa.
For most of the cadets, this was their first time going camping. Great memories were made over the weekend that will never be forgotten, and the whole group enjoyed bonding as an NJROTC family. After a continental breakfast on Sunday, most of the cadets had plenty to say about the camping trip. One cadet stated in tears, “I really needed this trip. It’s been the best time I have had spending time with people and thanks for the bonding time. I really feel close to my NJROTC family.”
Special thanks to Officer Petty Reed, the amazing booster parents, and teacher Ms. Allen for allowing this camping trip to happen. The team did such a good job that Lakeshore Resort invited them back out to the campsite in April 2024. For cadets who didn’t get the opportunity to go or didn’t want to go, you were missed and we hope to offer this experience again in the future. Officer Petty Reed stated “Thank you for allowing the CMHS NJROTC to attend this event. It meant more to the cadets than you think! Thank you for your support. The cadets had an amazing time!”