New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy

The 22-week residential phase begins with a rigorous two-week Acclimation Phase where cadet candidates adjust to the physical, mental, and social discipline required for success. During this period, candidates relinquish personal items, receive haircuts, and exchange civilian clothes for uniforms. After acclimation, cadets advance to a structured daily schedule focused on developing social, emotional, academic, and life skills. The day includes physical training, classroom instruction covering five core academic subjects (social studies, math, writing, science, and reading), drill movements, marching, and leadership practicum. The 12-month Post-Residential Phase follows graduation, during which graduates return to their communities while reporting monthly to the academy.

NJYCA employs a quasi-military discipline model with zero tolerance for disrespect, bullying, fighting, lying, cheating, or stealing. Cadets learn to replace negative behaviors with healthy routines within a structured environment. The program emphasizes teamwork, close order drill, code of conduct, and leadership/followership principles. The Eight Core Components framework guides all activities: Academic Excellence, Physical Fitness, Health and Hygiene, Responsible Citizenship, Life Coping Skills, Job Skills, Leadership/Followership, and Service to Community. Over 90% of cadets who complete the Acclimation Phase successfully graduate from the program.

Daily physical training based on the President's Council on Physical Fitness standards. The program integrates physical conditioning throughout the day, including morning PT sessions, drill movements, marching around the base, and obstacle course activities. Cadets focus on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility, with fitness assessments conducted at entry and throughout the residential phase to measure improvement. The quasi-military training environment emphasizes physical readiness as one of the Eight Core Components.

Located at the 168-acre National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, NJYCA shares facilities with the 254th Regional Training Institute, Medical Command, and other National Guard units. The coastal installation features recently renovated barracks, configurable classrooms, and conference spaces. The campus includes Stockton Lake, outdoor training areas, athletic fields, and covered pavilion facilities. The walking campus environment supports drill and ceremony training, obstacle course activities, and team-based physical challenges. Natural habitats include beach areas, primary and secondary dunes, and maintained upland grasslands.