The youngest class from Dayton, Ohio, in the Light Foundation’s Camp Vohokase program recently reaffirmed their dedication to leadership development within our non-profit organization by endorsing our R.E.A.L. pledge. In reciprocation, our organization pledges steadfast support to nurture these budding leaders.
The R.E.A.L. (Responsible, Ethical, Accountable, Leaders) Pledge represents a solemn commitment undertaken by all young individuals who embark on the four-year journey as participants in the Foundation’s flagship program. At the heart of our mission lies the aspiration to cultivate responsible, ethical, accountable, and exceptional leaders – encapsulated in the motto “Get REAL.”
It’s truly inspiring to witness these young men, year after year, embracing this pledge as a symbol of their commitment. It serves as a constant reminder throughout their time in the program. Even when they face adversity, this pledge propels them forward on their path to becoming remarkable leaders.
A key component in helping them uphold the R.E.A.L. pledge while creating strong relationships and building leadership skills includes hometown visits. Our Camp Vohokase Director visits each class in the community they live in each quarter and leads them to partake in leadership activities through community service, educational, and team-building activities.
The Dayton, Ohio class had a unique experience during their winter hometown visit while one of the young men, Marius 
French, partook in a NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) meet.
Like the beliefs and values of the Light Foundation, the NJROTC emphasizes citizenship and leadership development. Navy Junior ROTC helps give students who aspire to serve one day for the US Military a head start. Like most NJROTC students, Marius has the passion to serve one day to protect this great nation by joining the United States Military. He excelled in the meet’s unarmed platoon knockout phase, where he survived being disqualified longer than over half of the other cadets competing.
The Light Foundation encourages its Camp Vohokase young men to participate in school leadership activities to help build those relationships and skills needed to become a prominent leader.
The Light Foundation is extremely thankful for founders Matt and Susie Light, who vision helping young people become prominent leaders through the guidance of great mentors. Through the relationships Matt and Susie have created over the years, the Light Foundation has a valuable set of sponsors and volunteers who make everything possible. The Light family has made it their mission to give back and serve the young people of this great nation to create better leaders for generations to come.
Stay tuned as the next winter Hometown Visit takes place on the Passamaquoddy Reservation in Indian Township, Maine. Xavier Newell, Isaiah Nicholas, and Dalton Neptune, seniors in Camp Vohokase, actively serve their community through service. Only two more hometown visits separate these young men from graduating from the Vohokase Cultural Leadership Program.
