SPCHS Class of 2022 members Jameson Thriffiley and Connor McCullough participate in Extreme Military Challenge

Members of the St. Patrick Catholic High School Class of 2022 Jameson Thriffiley and Connor McCullough participated in The Extreme Military Challenge! Military Summer Camp (XMC) this summer.

This program is incredibly challenging and mimics what life is like in the Army’s Basic Combat Training. The courses at the camp are designed to build confidence and teach skills that will enhance leadership abilities. Recruits were trained in an Olympic pool, on a rappelling tower, on the marksmanship range, and on a high ropes course. Recruits also learned how to depend on each other and how to be accountable to others.

XMC’s senior staff have 25+ years experience running military summer camps in locations throughout the United States, providing thousands of teenagers the opportunity to experience the military lifestyle through realistic and challenging programs.

The Drill Instructors at XMC were some of the greatest and most inspiring people that I’ve ever met. They pushed my platoon to our limits and motivated me to do things that I never thought possible. – Jameson Thriffiley

Connor McCullough participated in the six-week program, which included a Fitness Challenge, Basic Training I, Cadet Leadership Course & SCUBA.

From early morning PT to hard corp training, the Cadet Basic Training (CBT) has prepared me for the military career I want to pursue and has shaped me into a better person. The Cadet Field Leadership Course (CFLC) has given me the training and skills to work together and lead others to their full potential. – Connor McCullough

The program is international with trainees from 18 countries and 35 states. The recruits also had the unique opportunity to train with 50 recruits from China.

Jameson was awarded several honors during his time at XMC. He received a maximum score of 300 points on the Physical Fitness Test and passed the academic test with 100 percent. He was chosen as the Guidon bearer to lead his platoon and earned Honor Graduate as the top cadet in his platoon. He was also awarded a $500 scholarship to attend the annual Cadet Staff Ride held annually in Washington, D.C., in October.

This experience at Camp Liberty is not just for those interested in a military career. It is designed for those who want to challenge themselves to reach their full potential. – Jameson Thriffiley