CAMP BLANDING – They held signs and waved at cars. They didn’t scream profanities or shake their fists. This wasn’t a protest. Far from it. 

A group of passionate people, mostly graduates, united on the northern side of State Road 16 Sunday morning across the front gate of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center to rally support against the state’s recent decision to shut down the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy after its 50th class graduation on June 9. 

The program accepts boys and girls who have little, sometimes no other, options, remaining to finish school and find a semblance of structure. Taught with a military theme that relies on teamwork to succeed, troubled teens who are at risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency and a life of crime learn the values of life skills, education and self-discipline to become productive members of society. 

Living on the post, they are free from distractions, and their motivational environment is enhanced by members of the National Guard and other specialized counselors. 

The Clay County District Schools also assist by helping cadets earn their General Education Diplomas, which give them access to jobs and positions in the military. 

The Florida National Guard announced last month it was closing the Academy to “refocus our resources on our primary mission sets, particularly in today’s dynamic and increasingly challenging operational environment.” The Guard also said it must be ready to support the national defense strategy and protect the lives and property of Floridians. 

According to the Florida National Guard, ChalleNGe Academy has graduated 5,870 cadets from 63 of Florida’s 67 counties. Cadets have contributed more than 423,000 hours of service to communities, a value of more than $3.04 million.  And last year, 223 young people from throughout Florida were directly impacted by the program. 

The federal Department of Defense pays 75% of the Academy’s tab; the Florida National Guard picks up the other 25%. 

Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said the cost of law enforcement will probably exceed what the state is not spending on the Academy because some of the would-be cadets will fall through the cracks and get in trouble. That means adding costs for deputies, prosecution and jail, plus the loss of production in the community. 

For thousands in the past 25 years, they said attending ChalleNGe – yes, the “NG” is capitalized for National Guard— has transformed their lives. 

“I think it's a passion of mine because I am a graduate,” Crystal Ann said. “I am an alumnus and a supporter and a volunteer. It's kind of full circle for me. I lived here on Camp Blanding for six months and graduated with fellow brothers and sisters. 

“This is special to me because completing the program, knowing what it did for me and saving my life, the future at-risk youth is what comes to mind. I think that they deserve the same chance that I got, and several thousand others got.” 

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to stop the closure, Crystal Ann said, and everyone at the state level and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has responded to her group’s calls. The only office that hasn’t responded is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

Crystal Ann said ChalleNGe Academy gave her discipline and structure to handle situations with “integrity.” Instead of rebelling against challenges, she learned "how to solve problems.” 

Instead of becoming a pariah and a financial liability on society, Crystal Ann said she proudly contributes skills and taxes. 

“ChalleNGe threw some tools in my toolbox that I didn’t really have,” she said. 

Like so many others, Samantha Powell said ChalleNGe “saved her life” because she was bullied and didn’t go to school. The Academy taught her accountability. Now she owns a catering business and a hot dog cart. She’s attended Family Days each year since 2020. 

Samantha is quick with ChalleNGe’s impressive track record: 6,258 graduates since 2001; 6,258 GEDs earned; 445,636 service hours provided and $9,022,957 in service dollars given. 

Unless a passionate group of graduates’ voices are heard, it’s all going away. And in the process, hundreds of young lives are likely to fall through the cracks, which may cost far more than what an accountant can erase from a budget.