Leadership Development Academy

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Selection & Identification of Participants
Area middle schools are contacted and asked to refer young people who would benefit from a biblically based, mentoring, and self-development program. Students are required to complete an application and along with the custodial parent, meet with academy leaders. The program content, objectives and requirements are discussed. The parent is asked to discuss the program with the child and decide if the program appeals to each of them.	Cadets working on Summer Leadership Assignment
Program Highlights
The successful applicants are referred to as Leadership Cadets and attend a weekly self-development session. On the day of the session, cadets dress in provided t-shirts (colorful, with the Academy name). When field trips are planned, boys wear shirts and ties and girls wear skirts and blouses to school. This allows them easy identification as leadership cadets. Weekly monitoring of academic progress and conduct allows volunteers to address personal and family issues that can interfere with achievement or attendance.	Denso Representatives Robin Blair and Natashia Hillsman

Kramer Camp	Cadets needing academic support receive tutoring provided in cooperation with Maryville College In each session, the cadets are encouraged to attend weekly worship and assist in planning worship activities the following Sunday. The cadet is encouraged to actively participate in church activities. Transportation is provided. Cadets routinely assist in worship services at facilities such as, but not limited to, retirement homes, nursing homes, etc.

Each weekly session begins and ends with prayer and scripture. Cadet Chaplains are responsible for the opening and closing of sessions. Cadets are scheduled for selected community service work quite often and are encouraged to reinvest in their community when possible. The cadets participate in several field trips to the public library, local business or industry, the city police department, city commission meetings and school board meetings.	Tennessee State Senator Raymond Finney visits weekly Cadet session

Kramer Camp	The weekly sessions place major emphasis on integrity, appropriate dress, respect, manners and personal responsibility. Other topics relative to facing common challenges of middle school- aged children are discussed briefly (teen health, chemical dependency, crime and punishment, etc.). Regular rewards and recognition for cooperation and participation make cadets eager and willing participants. Pizza parties, University of Tennessee basketball games, parties are just a few.
Cadets can earn the opportunity to attend the weeklong Kramer Summer Leadership Camp held at Maryville College. Cadet must show acceptable behavioral, academic, and attendance results. This a concentrated period of instruction, worship, and fun. The fourth and fifth-year students are now planning college as they complete a Personal Development Plan. Third year students will start taking college entrance exams.