MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The first 100 of about 600 teenaged-Devil Pup recruits arrived at the School of Infantry West to participate in the Devil Pups program aboard Camp Pendleton, July 16.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton receives approximately 600 Devil Pups each year during the months of July and August. Through the program, teenagers experience ten days of teamwork, discipline and education.

The Devil Pups is a demanding physical and academic good citizenship program for young teenagers.

On their first day, Devil Pups receive administration check-ins, uniforms, haircuts and respective meals.

“I’m pretty nervous about this but excited at the same time, “ said 14 year-old Steven Tyler, Devil Pup recruit. “I have family members in the Marine Corps and I want to follow their steps.”

Activities include conditioning exercises, first aid instruction, leadership classes, organized recreation, a bivouac (camping out) and swimming.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the program and my family was very supportive about it,” said Sisto Solis, 15, Devil Pup recruit.

The Devil Pups also attend educational lectures on the importance of self-confidence, teamwork, drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of goals in life.

Devil Pups is a non-profit organization designed to help boys and girls from all backgrounds gain self-confidence and learn to take responsibility for their actions.