CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County youth program has earned national recognition for preparing young people to become disciplined leaders and engaged citizens — all while serving the Jacksonville community.
The Black Creek Young Marines is a national youth program open to children and teens ages 8 to 18 who want to develop leadership skills — and have a little fun along the way.
Navy veteran leads next generation
At the helm of the program is a local Navy veteran, Melinda Wood, whose dedication to young people recently earned her a prestigious national honor.
Wood’s path to service started young. At 17, she left home without much of a plan. But something drew her toward serving her country.
She went on to serve 20 years in the United States Navy, deploying seven times before retiring. But retirement didn’t mean the end of her service.
“My service to our country was incredible. It definitely shaped me to be the person I am, and I miss it so much, and that’s why I saw this opportunity to give back to our youth,” Wood said.
National recognition in Washington
Wood’s dedication and accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed. She was named Adult Volunteer of the Year — a title that took her to Washington, D.C., where she was recognized at a leadership banquet.
The program she leads mirrors the structure of the U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on leadership, discipline and a drug-free lifestyle.
“Black Creek Marine is a youth group based off ages 8 to 18, and we really focus a lot on drug demand reduction, teaching a healthier lifestyle and to say no to drugs, leadership and discipline. And we love any child that comes in and is willing to challenge themselves,” Wood said.
A head start for future Marines
For youth interested in one day enlisting, the program offers a significant advantage. Florida already plays an outsized role in military recruitment — according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, about 9.1% of Regular Army recruits come from the Sunshine State, meaning roughly one in 10 U.S. Army service members hails from Florida.
Young Marines who go on to join the Marine Corps get a head start when they do.
“If you join the Marine Corps out of the Black Creek Young Marines, you’re automatically promoted to E2 at boot camp for doing this program, the second step on the enlisted career progression,” Wood said.
Importantly, participation in the program does not obligate youth to join the Marines or any branch of the military — but those who choose to enlist will enter boot camp already one step ahead.
Perseverance over obstacles
Beyond the rank and structure, Wood said the biggest lesson she hopes young people take away is simple: obstacles don’t define you — perseverance does.
“You cannot stop when you have a hurdle put in front of your face. If I had stopped at my first hurdle, I would not be sitting here right now,” she said.