The Young Marines, a national youth organization, will hold an information session for prospective parents and youth for the Buffalo Wallow Unit at 6 pm on Tuesday, March 23, at Abundant Life Church, 310 Birch St., in Canadian.

The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, from age 8 through the completion of high school. The program focuses on character building, leadership, self-discipline, and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

"We are putting a call out to youth in our community to join our ranks," said Max Monty, unit commander of the Buffalo Wallow Young Marines. “We are dedicated to leading the youth in our community and helping them develop skills, values, and morals that will help them become confident and successful adults."

The Buffalo Wallow Unit and the Young Marines' objectives are:

• To promote the physical, moral, and mental development of its members.
• To advocate a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through continual drug-prevention education.
• To instill in its members the ideals of honesty, fairness, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability, attention to duty, and fidelity to the United States of America and its institutions.
• To promote physical fitness through physical activities including participation in athletic events and close-order drill.

In addition to training at the unit level, the youth will have the opportunity for advanced training and leadership at the national level. Several schools are available based on your rank. There are also travel opportunities such as visiting Pearl Harbor; participating in National Code Talkers Day; and joining summer camps for sailing, simulated flying, scuba diving lessons, and visiting American historical sites.

"We are offering a new youth program and excited to bring this program into the community." Monty said. "We look forward to growing into a successful unit, and we measure success by community involvement and kids having fun while learning."

For more information, call 405.246.5698 or email the Unit at BuffaloWallow@youngmarines.com.