Marine Military Academy (MMA) in Harlingen is known for providing an excellent education while instilling remarkable character qualities to develop tomorrow’s leaders. During the school year, MMA serves as a private boarding school where a select group of young men are mentored by distinguished military personnel. During the summer, MMA offers a unique opportunity for students worldwide to glimpse MMA life and find the inner marine within themselves at MMA’s annual summer camp.
MMA summer camp offers school-aged boys from 11 to 18 four weeks of military adventures alongside the opportunity to build life-long friendships and core memories. Campers participate in various activities, including zip lining, rappelling, rock climbing, ropes course, and a confidence course, while also getting to experience traditional marine routines like reveille and mess hall gatherings. Experienced retired marines and athletic coaches lead the activities, allowing core Marine values to be instilled in campers. MMA aims to develop leadership skills at camp throughout the fun rather than just entertaining each camper.
Julie Fonseca, Director of Marketing and Publicity at MMA, is passionate about summer camp and its positive impact on campers each year. She believes that MMA’s summer camp experience is unlike anything else.
“MMA Summer Camp sets itself apart from other camps in a variety of ways. For four weeks, summer campers enjoy a full room and board on our campus. They truly get to experience life with other boys their age, interact and learn to trust one another when working together. They enjoy meals at the mess hall, life in the barracks, and who can forget the amazing activities and opportunities this camp has to offer. From learning how to properly use a rifle, to zip-lining, learning how to survive in water, to some more fun activities such as paintball and archery. We even offer an aerospace program for an additional fee where campers learn their basic skills of flying in simulators and a real plane!” Fonseca said.
Campers also have a lot to say about MMA summer camp as well. Originally from New Jersey, first-time camper Arhum Shah found his summertime opportunity while living in Austin. “It’s my first time here and probably the best camp I’ve ever been to!” said Shah. When asked what he loved about camp, Shah gave credit to where it was due: “I love how my camp instructors helped me to become more respectful and stay disciplined. They pushed me past my limits, and now I think I am ready to go forward with more challenging challenges.” At only 10 years old, Shah said, “I’m definitely doing this again!”
Campers can challenge themselves and reach new limits safely through activities like the high ropes course. At the ropes course, Fox Company camper Isaac Brown learned to push himself to new heights last year. When asked about his favorite activity, rope walking, Brown shared, “I never thought I would do something like this, and I’m proud of myself!” This sentiment of self-accomplishment is what MMA summer camp is about – developing confidence while promoting fun activities celebrating boyhood.
Spots quickly fill up for this unique opportunity. Summer Camp 2025 begins July 6 and ends Aug. 2. Registration is now available by calling the Admissions Department at 956-423-6006.
“This is an amazing transformational camp helping boys build confidence, character, meet new, lifelong friends, and take a step forward toward future success!” Fonseca said.
