Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program - Camp Minden
Minden, LA
"Learning the Way, Earning the Way"
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
Free Intervention Program for At-Risk Youth Ages 16-18
At a Glance
Established
2002
Program Type
Youth Challenge
Administered By
National Guard
State
Louisiana
The Verdict
Camp Minden is one of three Louisiana Youth Challenge Program sites and part of the largest Youth Challenge operation in the nation—Louisiana accounts for 14% of all national YCP graduates and has produced over 28,000 graduates since the state program began in 1993.
This free program—a 22-week residential phase followed by a 12-month mentoring phase—transforms at-risk youth ages 16-18 through a quasi-military structure that emphasizes discipline, education, and life skills. With over 80% of graduates continuing to higher education, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the military, Camp Minden offers a proven second chance for Louisiana youth.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Free 22-week residential Youth Challenge program at Camp Minden near Shreveport, Louisiana. Cadets ages 16-18 earn a HiSET/GED in a structured military-style setting.
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- Must be 16-18 years old on the first day of the program
- Legal U.S. citizen and Louisiana resident
- High school dropout or at risk of not graduating
- Drug-free (subject to testing)
- Not on probation or parole for violent offenses
- Strong desire to complete a structured, disciplined program
- Interview required
Location
Program Details
Eligible Ages
16-18 years old
Residential Phase
22 weeks
Mentorship Phase
12 months
Cost
FREE
Gender
coed
Eligibility
State Resident
Participation
Voluntary
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Highly structured quasi-military schedule beginning at 0600 with wake-up and accountability, followed by physical training, personal hygiene, barracks maintenance, and meals. Daytime hours (0800-1500) focus on classroom instruction with certified teachers in math, reading, and HiSET/GED preparation. Afternoons include tutoring, clubs, physical training, and team sports. Evenings feature study hall, personal hygiene, and cadet time before lights out. Weekends include uniform inspections, community service, field trips, outdoor sports, and nondenominational religious services. Cell phones and personal items are surrendered upon arrival.
Discipline Model
Military-style discipline with cadets divided into platoons and squads under 24-hour supervision by active and retired military staff. The program begins with a 2-week Acclimation Phase where candidates adjust to physical, mental, and disciplinary expectations—receiving haircuts, surrendering personal items, and exchanging street clothes for uniforms to place all cadets on equal footing. Marching, drill, code of conduct, and military customs and courtesies are integral to daily life. The focus is on peer accountability, teamwork, and leadership/followership development.
Program Outcomes
Success Metrics
80%+ continue education, enter workforce, or enlist in military
Post-Program Pathways
Cadets who enlist receive preparation through ASVAB testing; program focuses on workforce readiness and vocational pathways rather than service academy preparation
Note: Youth Challenge programs focus on GED completion, credit recovery, and life skills development—not traditional college prep metrics.
Physical Training
Physical Fitness Program
Daily physical training is a core component of the program, integrated into the structured schedule. All cadets participate in military-style PT including running, calisthenics, and organized team sports. Physical fitness is one of the eight core components, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and personal health improvement. Weekend activities include adventure training and outdoor sports.
Physical Activities
Facilities
Camp Minden Training Site encompasses 15,000 acres and serves as the Louisiana National Guard's primary training installation. The former Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant features over 2.5 million square feet of existing buildings, more than 100 miles of convoy training routes, and 11,000 acres of training areas. YCP cadets have access to residential barracks, dining facilities, classroom buildings, outdoor training areas, and recreational spaces. The site is located approximately 18 miles east of Shreveport off I-20.
Note: Youth Challenge programs emphasize physical fitness as one of the Eight Core Components, focusing on building endurance, strength, and healthy habits rather than varsity athletics.
Photo Gallery
Related Schools
Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program - Camp Beauregard
Pineville, LA
Free 22-week residential Youth Challenge program at Camp Beauregard in Pineville for Louisiana youth ages 16-18. HiSET/GED prep, life skills, and discipline since 1993.
Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program - Gillis Long
Carville, LA
Free 22-week residential Youth Challenge program at the Gillis Long Center in Carville, south of Baton Rouge. Louisiana youth ages 16-18 earn a HiSET/GED.
Mississippi Youth Challenge Academy
Camp Shelby, MS
Tuition-free National Guard program at Camp Shelby for Mississippi teens ages 16-18. 22-week residential phase leads to a GED or diploma; 11,600+ graduates since 1994.
Texas Challenge Academy
Eagle Lake, TX
Texas Challenge Academy is a tuition-free 5.5-month Texas National Guard residential program in Eagle Lake for teens 15½ to 18 earning a diploma or GED.
Alaska Military Youth Academy
JBER, AK
Tuition-free 22-week National Guard Youth Challenge program at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for at-risk Alaska youth ages 16-18. Coed, residential, founded 1994.
Appalachian Challenge Academy
Grays Knob, KY
Free 22-week Kentucky National Guard Youth Challenge program in Grays Knob for at-risk 16-18-year-olds: GED completion, high school credits, and trade certifications.
Guides & Resources
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