Many students either come to JROTC believing that they are avoiding physical exercise or avoid JROTC because they believe that we do no physical activity. Both are incorrect. Physical training that combines physical activity with team building and leadership development is presented on a regular basis throughout the school year. In addition, we periodically administer a physical fitness test called "Cadet Challenge" that tests the students physically in much the same way as in physical education and an adventure challenge competition that tests not only physical attributes, but the student's ability to work as a member of a team as well. Physical activities such as push-ups are used as corrective training during JROTC classes. Participation in physical fitness is graded. Competitions are held regularly in one of the three physical fitness categories of cadet challenge, adventure challenge, and orienteering.
Physical Fitness Team Scenes
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ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Adventure Challenge is physical fitness at its best! It provides an outdoor source of fun while allowing you to condition your mind and body and to develop the confidence to handle yourself in many situations. All of the JROTC organizations in Caddo Parish have an Adventure Challenge team and compete twice a year. In addition, there are physical fitness competitions in different formats at several competitive venues. Field days and demonstrations are given periodically to introduce new students to the team. Participating in the program gives you a wide variety of exercises that help you control weight, relieve stress, tone muscles, become stronger, develop stamina, keep your mind clear, and be able to run faster and longer. All of the exercises require both teamwork and leadership. Adventure Challenge exercises are also used in the regular physical fitness program during school. All Adventure Challenge activities are team building exercises.
ORIENTEERING
Orienteering is a sport where participants must navigate from one point to another using a map. It has been compared to a scavenger hunt in the woods, but it is much more than that. Orienteering provides mental challenges, fun, lifetime skills, physical activity, and excitement.
THE EVENT - In orienteering, participants receive a map of an area which shows a series of sites to visit. Participants develop strategies to navigate from one point to another.
THE CHALLENGE - The challenge is to find the most efficient route to all of the locations and prove that you were there.
PROOF OF ARRIVAL - In a regular orienteering meet participants use a special pin-punch located at each station to punch a control card.
The benefits of orineteering are many. It builds self confidence. It enhances team building. It improves map reading skills. It teaches a lifetime sport. It provides mental challenges. It provides physical challenges.
An orienteering camp, TJOC, is conducted each summer for orienteers completing at least their first competitive season. Many opportunities are provided both locally, regionally, and nationally each year.
