My son started his XMC journey at 15yo in the summer of 2018. We found the camp online and I showed it to him (videos, posts, and all the information) and he showed interest and wanted to go. Was he nervous, as it was as realistic as it can get, hell yes! But he went and completed the Cadet Basic Training and earned the coveted title of Cadet. This camp does not mince words in its own description of itself. It is stated up front that this is not a 'kumbayah' campfire experience... it is hard, it is tough, you will want to quit..... but that is the POINT! It is a realistic real-life military situation for teenagers who WANT to be there to be pushed harder and asked to go further than they ever have before. To be CHALLENGED and to gain the personal reward of saying, "I did that." It is stated up front that if you are sending your teenager to this camp to "turn them around", don't send them. It is NOT a disciplinary camp for delinquents. A large percentage of the recruits make it through the basic training and earn the title of Cadet, but not without hard work, discipline, good attitude and retaining the fact that THEIR LIFE is their OWN DESTINY. THEY control how it plays out. If they push hard, work hard, listen, and participate, they continue. If they don't work hard, complain, make the experience worse for all the groups around them and dont' adhere to the expectations of the staff and cadre, and most of all - don't participate, then they are asked to leave. This is explained very clearly in all the materials that interested parents receive as well as parents who have put down the deposit for camp and/or paid in full. If your child acts up and behaves badly, they will be dismissed. Plain and simple. MY experience.... watching my son (through the FB videos and pictures) go through his first year was intense. Of course I was worried he wouldn't make it - it was hard! But he pushed through and completed it and was SO PROUD of HIMSELF for doing so. Fast forward to this year : he wanted to go for 2 programs (total of 5 weeks) and then volunteered to fly out 2 weeks early so that he could assist the staff with preparing the camp for all the incoming new recruits and returning cadets. Saying that I was proud of him was a huge understatement. Now, from afar in CA, I see and hear that he received the award for Honor Cadet for his Combat Engineering group. SO PROUD I could fly. This camp is NOT for the faint-hearted. It is not for those who want to be entitled to a trophy for participation. It is not for those who think that the experience is a fluff for self esteem. Is is for those who: 1-want to be there, 2- understand that it will be the hardest thing they have yet to experience, 3-realize that they have the control of their own destiny and want to do something that will make them a better person. It has done all those things for the teens (and parents!) who successfully complete it and step up to the challenge. There will always be those who sign up their child hoping that they will go and return having been "turned around".... and unfortunately, the cadre and staff see through this rather quickly. It is unfortunate, but that is how it is and we are told up front that it is this way. No refunds, no exceptions, no participation trophies. Either they step up and complete, or they don't. And if they don't? Either you suck it up, buttercup, and realize that you didn't make it because YOU didn't do what was required and try again, OR, you complain and make it everyone else's fault. By not accepting that your child is the only one to blame for their own behavior, you are enabling them to go through life pointing the finger at everyone else instead of yourself. Do some children get injured? Of course. The camp has medical staff on site for minor issues that DO happen in the course of physical activity. If it is required, a child may also be transported to a local hospital facility if is its necessary, which can and DOES happen if necessary. We all sign a medical release allowing them to give treatment to our child. We also sign a release understanding that if our child is dismissed from the program at any time for any reason, we do not get a refund for not allowing a misbehaving child to stay and distract the other challengers. I signed it, as did anyone who has a child participating. I am a huge supporter of this business, camp, cadre, and environment. I can't give it 10 stars or I would. For those posting these negative reviews because their child couldn't complete it, shame on you. There are plenty of other parents whose kids did not complete the program or were sent home who don't stoop so low to harass and portray an amazing program through mud-stained filters. Start teaching your child how to accept defeat and stop giving up on themselves. Life is never handed to us with a pretty bow in a shiny package. It's given to us plain and simple and its up to us to put in the hard work to make it better. read more

I am writing this review as a Cadet at XMC to give a real look at what this camp is like for anyone considering it, as I find most of the reviews posted are by disappointed parents who are upset that their child wasn't able to complete the course they signed up for. I have completed Cadet basic training, the Tactical skills training winter course, Ranger school phase 1, and the Military Police Academy- so I feel I have an excellent insight as to what this camp is about. Firstly, it is an extreme challenge as the camp clearly states. Their courses are tough and not for the weak hearted. The way XMC designs their courses- from the instructors they hire, to the thoughtfully planned agenda they have for your challenger- ensures that it is as realistic as possible to the U.S. army. Due to this reason, your challenger will most likely struggle- I know I certainly did at first- but they don't break you, they merely bend you to become the best version of yourself. In my experience, the Cadre have always been extremely helpful and understanding with issues, but will under no circumstances tolerate challengers simply trying to get out of training. In some cases where a challenger is mildly sick, they may very well be instructed to keep training as there is no reason to send them home for a sore throat when their parents have spent a good amount of money to give them this experience. The drill instructors are extremely tough and might seem like the worst people on earth while you're there, but the amount of respect you have for them once you realise they never gave up on you transcends any negative thoughts you might have had against them in the first place. All cadre have earned their place and rank in the army, and should absolutely be trusted to train your child; they are some of the people I absolutely respect the most, and have helped me through my years at XMC. Your challenger will leave XMC with a deeper understanding of what it means to be in a military environment, and will wear the title of "CADET" with pride; I know I do. The intestinal fortitude required to successfully complete any course at XMC is tremendous, and will most likely be the biggest achievement your child has made thus far in their life. If you're considering signing up for XMC, my advice is do it. You must train properly for it, but if properly equipped with good physical fitness and a determined mind, the only thing that can stop you is yourself. If you have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them if you reach out to me on Facebook! (Name: Helene Bjorklund) read more

My 15 year old son loved to play Call of Duty on Xbox and began talking about wanting to join the military. After more than a year of hearing what I felt was an overly "hollywood" view military life I started doing some research . I found the XMC site and started reading & scrolling through the photos. The picture of the DI yelling in the face of a young boy made me bawl when I envisioned my kid in that spot. The descriptions of the program sounded hard. Some of it scary with a bit of fun mixed in. After a few days of getting over myself, I finally showed it to my son. I figured the 6 AM PT drills and crawling through the mud in the blazing hot Alabama heat would scare him off. NOPE. He was ALL IN. I signed him up for the 2 week Cadet Basic program. In all honesty I was hoping he'd hate it and abandon the idea of joining the armed services. I put him on a plane (first time flying alone) and sent him literally across the country. I was sending my baby into the belly of the beast. He told me the first few days were really hard and he constantly thought about quitting. Other guys in his platoon were, too. However they ultimately encouraged each other and persevered. No one dropped out. We traveled to Cullman for graduation (first time to the South for us) and found the people in the town to be incredibly warm and welcoming. My son came home with new friendships, tons of stories (he learned how motivating a 4 AM metal garbage can alarm clock can be!) new found confidence and so much pride. He called my bluff. It wasn't summer camp roasting marshmallows by the fire, it was a gritty, sweaty, exhilarating challenge. He got to prove to himself that he COULD become a soldier someday. He's currently working with an Army National Guard recruiter and intends to apply for delayed enlistment as soon as he turns 17. He's planning to go back to XMC this summer for additional programs. XMC is not for everyone. They DO run the place like the military and are not "fuzzy" with the parents (Ms Terri is the exception - she is a gem!) It totally pet my fur the wrong way at first, but I got trained pretty quickly. They kept my son safe and returned him to me in much better mental & physical condition than how I sent him. We are incredibly grateful for COL Land & his dedicated staff for the priceless experience they gave to my child. read more

As a proud third-year returning parent of a cadet, I can confidently say that XMC is truly life-changing. Our son has grown tremendously--mentally, emotionally, and academically--through the challenges and structure this program provides. The lessons he's learned here go far beyond what most of his peers have experienced, shaping his core values and leadership skills in powerful ways. Last summer, he faced failure--but instead of giving up, he returned with more determination than ever. XMC provides a safe, disciplined environment where consequences are not meant to discourage, but to develop strong leaders. As a parent, it was hard to hear about some of the tough moments, but I knew they were necessary for his growth. Since then, he's gone on to complete Winter Tactical and is now enrolled in three summer courses during his third year! This year was especially meaningful. Just days before camp, our son lost his older brother, who proudly served in the Army. Though he was grieving, he wanted to attend camp in his brother's honor. I received a call from camp staff noticing something different in him--and when I explained our loss, they responded with compassion and support. Rather than punishing or overlooking his emotional state, they walked alongside him, helping him find purpose and strength. That kind of care is rare. XMC is more than a camp--it's a community that builds young men into confident, capable leaders. My son is thriving, and hearing the pride in his voice means everything to us. Thank you, XMC, for helping shape him into the admirable young man he is becoming. I'm a proud XMC mom for life! read more

My son is currently at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. His experience at XMC boot camp, and the following year in the Cadet Field Leadership Course, was absolutely priceless in preparing him for this pivotal moment in his life. XMC is no BS. This is not a camp for kids who want to play pew-pew. This is as close to a military experience as your kid will get, without actually having to enlist. It is not easy. Facing the challenge and graduating as a Cadet will be the most rewarding thing your kid has ever done in their short lives. They will return with stories of their adventure -- the struggles, the adventures, the camaraderie, the people who washed out. They will have gained confidence in knowing that they can face obstacles, push themselves, and achieve things they never thought possible. My son's decision to leave New York City for Battleground, Alabama not once, but twice, prepared him for the moment he stepped off the bus at Parris Island last week. He arrived already having an advantage over most of the recruits around him. XMC taught him what to expect, what to do, and very importantly, what not to do. He knows the drill -- literally and figuratively. If your kid is genuinely interested in the military, this is the place. read more

Think twice before you send your child to Camp Liberty! As a Parent, if you are interested in the XMC camp, you need to be aware that this camp uses as part of their "training" program the use of profane language. For example, "F you" will be shouted continuously at your son or daughter. As a result, the other teenage kids think this is totally acceptable and will say it to your son or daughter behind closed doors ...... it is definitely "Bullying". There is no reprimand for that type of language. In our High School, profane language is not allowed and it is certainly not used for teaching teenage kids. This is totally unacceptable for a program that is supposed to be teaching teenage youth how to become future leaders. The description of the XMC Camp is described as a "physically demanding atmosphere", but no where does it tell the parent that there will be verbal abuse and extreme profanity shouted in their teenager's face. Also, Colonel Land runs the camp like a dictator and is VERY disrespectful to parents. He "dismissed" our daughter 3 weeks early and would not give us written documentation as to why she was dismissed, even after several email messages and phone calls. I feel like he stole $3,000 from us. read more

What a program!! XMC has truly been one of the best decisions we've ever made. This program is incredibly structured, professional, and rooted in strong values but above all, it's all about the kids. They hold cadets accountable, challenge them to grow, and push them beyond their comfort zones but always with the kind of support, discipline, and mentorship that helps young people rise to their full potential. This isn't a program that's going to hold your hand. The first 10 days can be full of anxiety as your kids go through boot camp with very little communication, but you have to trust the process. Read the parents' guide, take a deep breath, and sit back and enjoy the ride because what comes out on the other side is absolutely worth it. We could not be more proud of our son Andrew. His growth has been nothing short of amazing. He is now working toward his Military Emergency Management Specialist training and has dreams of joining law enforcement. The confidence, discipline, and leadership skills he has gained from XMC have laid a foundation for his future, and we are so grateful. Thank you, XMC. You are changing lives. read more

Our son has attended camp for the past two summers and would stay year round if possible. This experience although hard has prepared him for his future. As a senior in high school he is currently enlisting in the Army. This experience not only prepared him but prepared me as well. I was not too fond of the scheduled calls and lack of communication from my son early on but I believe that's because of the digital age we live in and the instant access we always have-it was a change, therefore it was hard! Does Col. Land and others come off harsh in regards to the logistics-yes to some it may seem so, but read the parent's manual-every thing is there for you! My son missed his flight back last summer due to some miscommunication-not only did they keep him overnight, put him up and took him out to eat, they reimbursed me for the new flight-quickly and with no questions as it was their error. I highly recommend XMC for those who think the military may be a path for them, or those thinking to challenge themselves-it's not for the faint of heart but sure does create resiliency, passion and comrades for life! read more

This ain't summer camp--it's a forge. And your kid? They're either steel or scrap. Extreme Military Challenge isn't where you send little Johnny to "get some structure" after he backtalks Mom and plays Fortnite for 12 hours a day. Nah--this is where kids get rebuilt. From the inside out. As a U.S. Army Vet and dad of three, I've seen what happens when young people are pushed past their comfort zone, held accountable, and taught that respect, courage, and leadership aren't just words--they're a way of life. I had the rare honor of working with Col. Land and his cadre three years ago, and let me tell you--they don't raise their voices, they raise standards. This team doesn't babysit. They don't sugarcoat. They transform. You don't "attend" XMC. You survive it. And you come out standing taller, walking straighter, and ready to take on the world. If you're looking for a hug and a gold star, keep scrolling. If you're ready for your kid to earn the title of Cadet-- Welcome to Hardcore or Out the Door. read more

My son was in this camp for 10 days, and then was "dismissed". While he was there, he said one boy attempted suicide, another broke his leg while training, and my boy was tortured and assaulted. While most kids will survive the camp, evidently a good % each year are completely traumatized. But you never hear about them as that information is not shared with the parents. The director of the camp told me numerous lies, and wanted to throw my boy out, without identifications, without a place to stay, on the day before the 4th of July weekend, while I am in a foreign country. I found a hotel that would accept him with a photo copy of his ID's, and he left the camp. The camp director also blocked my attempts to get help from other parents on their Facebook site. Unless your child is capable of surviving psychological and physical abuse in an attempt to create a compliant, robotic humanoid, I don't recommend this camp. We will be filing criminal charges against them for the torture and assault. read more

My daughter asked to attend this camp for 3 years and we finally allowed her to attend Cadet Basic Training during the summer of her 14th birthday. XMC is not for everyone. It requires commitment, determination and 110% effort for the entire 2 weeks. But our 14yr old went from exhaustion to wanting to go home and a myriad of other emotions. But at the end she signed up for the Cadet Medic School the following year. She was proud of the accomplishment and was happy that she attended the camp. Let's be clear, this is not summer camp, the drill instructors are not your friends and you and your parents must follow the rules, all the rules and nothing but the rules. I would recommend this to any teen that wants to go through 2 weeks of military basic training experience. The teens will grow in ways they have never imagined. And finally, safety and security are their number 1 priority and that was shown clearly during the experience. Your child will be safe! read more

I'm an OIF combat vet and former Army Sergeant. I want to start with the Drill Instructors were literally the best. Absolutely top notch to my brothers and sisters. You are exactly the example I expect and hoped for. Especially the Sergeant Major. My son completed your training and I'm forever grateful that he saw your example of military excellence. Thank you all for your outstanding service. That said, the way that Joseph and Terri interact with parents is totally uncalled for. I'm embarrassed as a veteran that they're representing us. Neither of them show an ounce of humility to parents. Military leadership is nothing but humility and care for others. It's engrained into the souls of every Noncommissioned Officer today. "No One Is More Professional Than I" the NCO creed begins. These two show a total disregard for military bearing and leadership values. I would rather chew my arm off than expose my son to their horrid demeanor a single second longer. read more

My son attended XMC Camp many years ago. I became very involved with the program after that. When my son departed for camp, he was your usual 14 year old:shy, awkward and bumble-footed. After 13 days of Cadet Basic Training, he stood taller, walked with his head held high and had an aura of self-confidence that he had never had before. Was this camp "easy"? Definitely not, he was pushed well outside of his comfort zone. The Cadre never gave up on my son. As long as he was still willing, the Cadre was there to mentor, guide and at times, push him to achieve his goals while conquering his fears. As a Veteran parent, this camp meant the world to us, as our son was planning to serve in the Armed Forces upon high school graduation. We sent a young man to Army Basic Training and he excelled because he knew what to expect. If you have a young man or lady who has expressed a major interest in serving their country, this camp is a "must do"!! read more

XMC is an incredible military-styled camp for motivated kids. Don't bring your custody battles, druggies, or disrespectful brats. They will be sent home. Can't recommend enough. Parents: don't expect special treatment for your little baby. They won't get it and neither will you. This is as close to military as you can get. This camp is hard. Kids will be in mud, get bug bites sunburn, but will come out tougher and more responsible than you've ever seen them. My son took Basic training in 2021, then 4 weeks of Ranger training in 2022, and will be going back in 2023 for Medic training. This is no "Tra la la summer camp". It builds character not only for your kids, but for you, the parents, too. You will find out quickly who has "tiny heart syndrome." read more

I recommend XMC 100%! My grandson attended XMC for two summers and his experience was top notch! After the first year all he talked about was going back the next summer. He is now serving in the US Army and credits his XMC training for preparing him for his military service. My granddaughter attended last summer at 14 years old and will go again this summer. Again, her experience was excellent. XMC is a camp that provides a military-type experience and they are expected to follow the rules. This is not a summer camp for the weak, it does build character and my grandchildren now know they can do hard things. I learned as much as my grandchildren and how not to jump in and rescue them at the first hard thing they faced. read more

I wanted my Cadet to write this review so you get a first hand account, he said "I want to go back this year because I loved all the challenges. Even though at times it was difficult it turned out to be rewarding when we achieved a goal. I made friends and looked up to the leaders there. They taught me that things aren't just given to you, you have to earn them." As parents, we definitely saw a difference in behavior when our son came back. He is a team player in the household now, more helpful and respectful. We knew that the challenges would be difficult but that why it's call that! We are proud of him for enduring and persevering. And we are considering sending him back summer of 2023. read more

My son will be attending his third summer at XMC this year. The staff is amazing - they do every they can to make the summer camp feel as if it's a true military experience. This program really helped my son grow and mature. His first year he showed up a shy introverted 12 year old and after two weeks he came home a more outgoing, confident young man. I would recommend this camp to any parent whose child has interest in military, but remember it's not a correctional camp the kids have to want to be here and if kids break the rules they will get sent home. read more

My son went there six weeks before his 13th birthday. He completed Cadet Basic Training and the Cadet Field Leadership course. He said he liked and that is was very difficult. He wants to go back next summer to do two more courses. It will be good for your child but do not expect it to be fun or easy for the child or the parent. It is tough but it builds character and helps both of you prepare for the child's adulthood. read more

The staff (Cadre), the parent volunteers, and the kids themselves take so much pride in XMC that they shine. I am so proud to be a mother of a 2nd year XMC Cadet. I strongly recommend XMC. If your kid's eyes light up when looking at Camouflage. If your son or daughter likes combat sports. If your kid has the fight bilut not the know how...XMC read more