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One aspect that makes Camden Military Academy unique among boarding schools is its structured military environment, which emphasizes leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility in every aspect of student life. Unlike many traditional schools, cadets at Camden progress through a clear leadership rank system, allowing students to take on increasing responsibilities over time.

The best thing that happened to me during boarding school was discovering my ability to lead and growing into a confident, disciplined individual. Coming to Camden Military Academy in 8th grade, over 1,100 miles from home, was overwhelming at first, but it pushed me to become independent and take on challenges I never imagined. Over the years, I rose through the ranks—eventually becoming Battalion Major, the second-highest rank in the Corps of Cadets, and the first time it was given in over six years. I also served as the school’s Social Media Officer, led tours, and represented the academy at events, all while maintaining a top-three class ranking and earning multiple academic honors. These experiences taught me responsibility, time management, and the value of leading by example—lessons that have truly shaped who I am today.

If I could go back and do anything differently during my time at Camden Military Academy, I would have embraced the experience sooner instead of being so hesitant at the start. In my early days, I held back socially and was nervous about stepping into leadership roles, but once I leaned in, I realized how much the school had to offer. My advice to anyone going to boarding school is simple: be open to the experience, take every opportunity to grow, and don’t be afraid to lead, even if you feel unsure.

What I liked most about Camden Military Academy was the opportunities it gave me to grow as a leader, a student, and a person. From rising through the cadet ranks to managing the school’s social media and representing the school at events, I was constantly challenged and trusted with real responsibility. The school’s structure and support helped me build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that I’ll carry with me for life.

My biggest advice is to get involved early, join clubs, play sports, and definitely try to be in Band/Staff company if you can. Getting involved not only makes your experience more enjoyable, but it also opens up opportunities for growth and leadership. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, this is the place to do it.

The academics at Camden Military Academy are mainly focused on college preparation, with small class sizes that allow for personalized attention from teachers. What I liked most was the strong support system, teachers are highly involved, and all of them either coach a sport or run an extracurricular activity, and are genuinely invested in each student’s success.

The athletics program at Camden Military Academy offers a wide range of sports, including varsity, junior varsity, and intramurals. What I liked most was the emphasis on character development over just winning. Coaches focus on building discipline, leadership, and resilience, which carry over into all areas of cadet life. Being part of the soccer team and managing cross country helped me build strong relationships and grow both physically and mentally.

At Camden Military Academy, the visual arts, music, and theatre programs are more limited compared to larger schools, but they still offer activities like the yearbook staff, school newspaper, and public speaking opportunities. The drama program led by Ms. Thaxton is a great part of the arts experience. What I liked most about it was the opportunity it gave cadets to step outside their comfort zones and build confidence.

What stood out most to me was the way these opportunities allowed students to take ownership of their growth and development. From serving as a Cadet Ambassador and participating in JROTC, to being involved in clubs like National Honor Society, Key Club, and Journalism, each activity helped me build leadership, communication, and time management skills. These weren’t just resume-fillers; they were meaningful experiences that taught responsibility, service, and how to work with others toward a common goal.

Dorm life at Camden Military Academy is structured and disciplined, and centered around building responsibility and camaraderie. Living with other cadets teaches you how to manage your time, keep your space in order, and respect others. What I liked most was the strong sense of brotherhood that developed; it felt like living with a second family.

The dining hall at Camden Military Academy is spacious enough to accommodate all cadets at once for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals vary daily and are similar to what you might find in a typical public school cafeteria. What I liked most about it was the structure and sense of community it provided. Seating is organized by company: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Band/Staff.

Camden Military Academy is located in the town of Camden, South Carolina, which has a quiet, small-town atmosphere. It’s also conveniently close to Columbia, the state capital, and just a two hours from Charleston, giving us access to city life and cultural experiences when needed. What I liked most about the location was that it was close enough to larger cities for off-campus trips and competitions.

The social life at Camden Military Academy is unique because it’s built on shared experiences, structure, and teamwork. Living, studying, and training alongside the same group of cadets every day creates strong bonds and lasting friendships. What I liked most was the sense of brotherhood that formed over time, whether it was during sports, weekend activities, or just hanging out in the barracks, there was always a sense of support and camaraderie.