Running July 5–17, 2026, the camp expands Fishburne’s long-standing commitment to leadership education by offering focused preparation and mentorship within an authentic military school environment. Full program details, including application information, are available at www.fishburne.org/summer-programs.

 

The program differs from conventional summer programs in its emphasis on structured leadership development, physical readiness, and direct exposure to the realities of military service. Participants engage in obstacle and leader reaction courses, land navigation, rappelling, water survival training, and small-unit tactical exercises. The program also includes SAT preparation, resume development, interview training, and individualized counseling regarding military pathways.

Students receive a comprehensive overview of officer and enlisted opportunities across all service branches. The camp provides insight into service academy admissions standards, ROTC scholarship competitiveness, and commissioning pathways, equipping participants with a clearer understanding of what competitive candidates demonstrate.

The program is led by retired U.S. Army officers with extensive operational and instructional experience.

Christopher Wingate, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), directs the Army JROTC program at Fishburne. A 23-year aviation officer and former Blackhawk pilot, Wingate has served in multiple combat environments and commanded units at various levels. He now oversees leadership education and mentoring at Fishburne.

COL Steve Barone, U.S. Army (Ret.), serves as Commandant of Fishburne Military School and brings experience from a career spanning Army Special Forces and a tier-one special mission unit. He later served in the Pentagon and as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College. His mentorship provides rare insight into leadership under complex operational conditions.

“This camp is designed for young men who are serious about service and serious about leadership,” said Colonel Randal E. Brown (VA), President and Head of School. “Our goal is not simply exposure, but preparation and clarity.”

Fishburne Military School has maintained the U.S. Army’s highest level of JROTC accreditation and designation as an Honor Unit with Distinction for more than four decades. The new Military Leadership Camp builds upon that foundation by offering an intentional summer pathway for upperclassmen seeking direction and competitive preparation.

Applications for the 2026 session are now open, with enrollment intentionally limited to preserve the quality of mentorship and instruction.