Our History

In 1959 in Waterbury, Connecticut, several former Marines formed an organization for boys that would mirror the values of the Marine Corps. Their vision – to offer leadership training and other life skills – formed the bedrock of the organization known today as the Young Marines. Years later, the program is a highly respected youth organization, for boys and girls ages eight through high school graduation, that has grown to over 236 units. Our focus, though, has remained the same: to strengthen the lives of America’s youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a health, drug-free lifestyle. The core values - leadership, teamwork, and discipline - are well understood and practiced by all.