This week these teachers from Juniata Valley will get the full on experience of a Marine recruit, and reporter Jordan Tracy, be there right with them for their journey in Parris Island, South Carolina.

High School Counselor Hope Smith is no stranger to the Marine Corps Educators Workshop, she attended 8 years ago. She knows that she will gain hands on experience of boot camp to pass on to her students.  

She explained, “I just think it’s better than just reading about. It’s first hand knowledge and it’s such an experience to just see and go through the process.”

In her time as the school’s counselor, several students have decided to serve our country. She says after her experience with the workshop she could tell them what to expect. 

Smith detailed, “It’s very rewarding for them to come back and tell me that i helped a bit. That’s the only thing, that’s all I ever wanted was to be a little bit of help to them.” 

Life Skills Teacher Karen beck is going too. Her 14 year old son is thinking about joining the military and it has played a role in her decision.  

She said, “I think that’s part of the reason I am doing it, is for him. To help him decide in life, put the other part of me needs to do it for the kids here in school as well.” 

She hopes this can put her mind at ease, and help her son feel more comfortable with his options. 

Beck detailed, “I think he sees me as someone who won’t give up. So he will look at that and say, ‘Oh wow, my mom did that, I can do that.'”

She continued, “Momma bear is ready to take it on!”

The workshop starts on Tuesday and teachers return home at the end of the week. Jordan Tracy have an exclusive  special report from Parris Island, South Carolina coming up in February.