Pictured here are six local residents who just completed a 10-day camping experience called Devil Pups. Devil Pups camp is held every summer at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California as part of their community outreach program. Devil Pup Cord Christensen earned one of six PFT awards for the 2nd increment of 300 Pups.
The program involves an annual ten-day youth citizenship program for youths aged 14 to 17 in Southern California. It was initially formed after a 1953 incident in which retired Marine Corps Colonel Duncan Shaw, Sr., learned that a group of teenagers burned an American flag at a Southern California high school. Aggravated by this activity and the attitudes among American youth it represented, Colonel Shaw and a group of retired Marine Corps Reserve Officers, now prominent Southern California businessmen, asked the Commandant of the Marine Corps to help with a community benefit project that would aid the development of character qualities in teenage boys and girls and enable them to become healthier and more successful young citizens.
The name “Devil Pups” was derived from actual Marines being called “Devil Dogs” by German troops in World War I. This program, created by retired Marines and held at Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base, was then named “Devil Pups” due to the age of the candidates.
Teens are given information about the program and if they are interested in attending camp, they must complete two physical fitness tests, complete an application about why they want to attend this camp, and pass a physical exam. Physical fitness tests include sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and a one-mile run.
The local representative for the camp is Lt. Col. William C. Toole (USMCR, Ret.) and the selection process begins in January of each year for summer encampments held in July-August. For more information, contact Bill Toole at (435) 652-3998.
Shown L to R: Mariah Allred, Chris Nebeker, Garrett Allred, Garrett Hays, Mike Trostrud and Kelsy Simmons.