GRIZZLY YOUTH ACADEMY
Grizzly Youth Academy (GYA) is a partnership between the California National Guard and the Grizzly Challenge Charter School. This program is designed specifically for at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who have dropped out of high school or are at-risk of dropping out. The program offers a highly structured environment that promotes team-building exercises while helping students develop confidence.
Getting There
About a year ago, I had the opportunity to connect with a staff sergeant at Grizzly Youth. She informed me about the Academy and the general structure and mission values of the organization. When we made contact, I had been itching to pursue something more meaningful. I wanted my photography and cinematography studio to really make an impact in others’ lives and I knew this was the perfect opportunity. The crew and I traveled a couple hours north to scope the place out and connect with other staff members. Everyone we met on campus was super excited to show us around and explain the ins and outs of their program.
Brainstorming
The colonel wanted us to create a promotional video for the Academy targeted primarily at potential candidates to draw them in and help them understand what the program is all about. The content for this promotional video would consist of footage from cadets’ daily lives (waking up, training, eating, socializing, etc), events like “Family Day”, and graduation. So, we gathered a crew of 12 total members. We had videographers, someone conducting the interviews, a drone operator, a gimble op, a camera op, editors, and people in charge of communication with the sergeants in order to make this video happen.
The Footage
The sergeants took us through what a normal day looked like for the cadets and we were able to capture the discipline that was being built during these moments. We were also able to capture some beautiful moments from their event “Family Day” and created the logo and motion graphic to be used for their website.
Upon entering the program, cadets are only allowed to contact their family and loved ones by writing letters. They are not allowed phone calls or video calls. However, around month 4 of the program, all family and friends of the cadets are allowed to visit the campus for one day. On this day, each platoon of cadets prepare a demonstration for their loved ones. After each demonstration is complete, cadets are allowed to interact with their families. There are food trucks, tables and chairs set up over campus so that families can talk to cadets and have a moment to themselves. Family Day is often very emotional for both the cadets and families, and the cadets are often energized and motivated to finish the program.
And finally, graduation is for the cadets who have finished the program. There is an air of excitement and pride in the air, as loved ones are eager to celebrate the cadets’ hard work. The cadets are equally excited to be recognized for their hard work and are ready to build their lives.
Before vs. After
An individual’s growth is often observable by others. This statement also holds true for the cadets who graduate from Grizzly Academy. The biggest change that sergeants are able to identify is a greater drive and sense of self-worth. Grizzly’s approach to developing this sort of resilience is multi-faceted. It touches on leading by example while also providing affirmation and encouragement.
Students often leave the program happier, more motivated, grateful, confident, disciplined, and excited to take control over their future. These positive changes are long-lasting and observable in the way the cadets carry themselves and also in the ways they make decisions and deal with life’s many challenges.
The cadets themselves also feel as if they have become different people. They become more motivated, self-assured, and confident to tackle life and its challenges. The cadets also learn humility and gratitude for the small, seemingly insignificant mercies that have been provided to them.
Finishing Thoughts
I’ve always had a heart for the youth and I’ve always been moved by the power of relationships. It was truly moving to see the impact that the Academy had on these kids’ lives, and it was even more moving to see the gratitude of the families for igniting this change. The crew and I were extremely proud to take part in this project and I can say with all of my heart, that we all wish for the Academy to keep going strong.
