LEAD Complex Getting Ready for a Busy Summer

Maj Harold Compton

The LEAD Complex is a major factor in the annual Summer Camp at Marine Military Academy. Its nine major courses comprise the bulk of activities for our campers. These include our Leadership Reaction Course, Pugil Sticks Pit, Rope Bridging Event, Circuit Course, Obstacle Course, Rappel Tower, High and Low Ropes Course, Confidence Course and Combat Fitness Course. The size and complexity of the complex means that each year there are a large number of maintenance tasks that must be completed prior to opening for summer camp. Work on the LEAD Complex began shortly after Spring Break and has continued at a furious pace ever since. This year we had a local construction company donate over 4000 cubic yards of topsoil that we spread on several areas of the complex to help with drainage problems as well as to build up our Rope Bridging event. Grass seed has been spread and new grass is already poking its head up so we hope to have a good grass coverage in time for summer.

LEAD Complex High Ropes Course Gets New Cabling

During the last two weeks the High Ropes Course has had all belay cabling replaced with new cables. Maj. Compton, Mr. Bill Hinkle and Mr. Bill Beckman have been busy taking down all the old cables, fabricating new cables and installing the new cables on the course. This work is done every 3-4 years to ensure the cables are safe. The ocean air can cause the cables to degrade quickly so replacement was required prior to our annual inspection in June. Along with the belay cable replacement, several low elements required minor work to prepare them for summer camp. Additionally, new harnesses, helmets and ropes were ordered and have arrived in time for use this summer.

LEAD Complex Will be Ready for Summer Camp 2013

There are still a number of small projects to finish before the start of summer. Some minor dirt leveling around the circuit course, hanging of new ropes on the Obstacle Course and Confidence Course, installation of new poles for the Rope Bridging Event, painting of the Leadership Reaction Course and the never ending mowing and weed eating around the course. Cammie nets are still to be put up on the tower and Pugil Stick pit to provide shade for campers and new benches have been built by the Facilities Department for several of the events. All in all the Complex is great shape and the last projects will be completed in plenty of time for our campers to enjoy all of the events.