Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

Hard work and mental toughness paid off for three local teens during a 10-day program at Camp Pendleton Marine Base. The trio can proudly call themselves, “Devil Pups Graduates.”

In June, 60 14-17 year olds attended the day long physical agility tryouts and 24 were chosen to represent Kern County. Of those 24 chosen to represent the county, three came from the Kern River Valley.

Deputy Joe Garcia, center, poses with Devil Pups graduates Nicole Sutton and Chad Walker on Aug. 7 at Camp Pendleton.

The three Kern Valley High School students, Nathan Halliwill, Chad Walker and Nicole Sutton, spent their summer preparing for the rigorous 10-day Devil Pups Program, a Marine-style program bordering on “boot camp.”

Each in their own platoon, participants focused on conditioning exercises, first-aid instruction, leadership classes, organized recreation, camping and swimming. Pups also attended educational lectures focusing on self confidence, teamwork, drug and alcohol abuse and the importance of goals in life, according to the Devil Pups website.

“It was very challenging,” said Nathan Halliwill, “both mental and physically, especially physically.” Throughout the camp, Pups were faced with daunting physical tasks, the most difficult being the climb up 'Old Smokey', the highest peak at Camp Pendleton. Pups also participated in the battalion run, drills, various fitness tests, and dives upwards of 35-feet into pools of water.

Another important aspect of the camp is to encourage respect and good citizenship. “They really put you in the position to make you learn and grow from everybody around you, as well as yourself,” added Halliwill.

The Kern Valley Sheriff's Activities League sent two members to the camp, Nicole Sutton and Chad Walker. “I've known Nicole and Chad for over four years as the School Resource Officer in Kern Valley and as the KV SAL Coordinator,” said Kern County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Garcia, “I tell you, I could not have felt more proud of those two kids.”

“Prior to the boot camp I spoke to both Nicole and Chad about their personal goals about what they wanted to get out of the boot camp,” added Garcia, “After graduation, there was no doubt they met their goals and expectations to take them to that next level in life.”

Sutton and Walker were not available for comment.