On The Yard

At the U.S. Naval Academy, a midshipman’s life of service never takes a break, even during spring break. Take the example set by the Midshipman Action Group (MAG), a service group that has been an integral part of helping the Annapolis community and beyond since 1992. This past March, twelve midshipmen from MAG traveled to Washington State to work with the Snohomish County Boys and Girls Club and made a lasting difference in their short visit. 

A Spring Break of Service

USNA Community Relations Director Miriam Stanicic explains how MAG thoughtfully plans alternative spring break trips each year with local partners in communities around the country. “The Midshipman Action Group is dedicated to meaningful alternative spring break trips which impact our communities in a very positive way,” she says. “This year's trips confirm MAG's unwavering focus on service.”

Related: MAG Remembrance Events in Honor of 9/11.

Building Communities For Years

MAG has been traveling to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, Washington, for a number of years, starting in 2017 and continuing online during the Pandemic. The Washington non-profit is dedicated to providing a safe and positive place for people ages 5-18 to go both before and after school, as well as when school is out during the summer. Many at-risk children benefit from receiving meals and academic support, spending time with friends, learning about character and citizenship, and participating in organized sports opportunities right in their own neighborhoods. 

The organization spans 25 clubs and 15 extension sites located close to those in need. Together, they “help more than 29,000 youth achieve academic success, live healthy and active lifestyles, and develop good character and leadership skills,” according to their site. “Our clubs are a safe haven, and many of these kids spend as much time with us as at their own homes,” explains Snohomish County Boys & Girls Clubs Director of Strategic Initiatives Ken Salem. “[Midshipmen] gave them a week filled with truly unforgettable experiences, happiness, and friendship.”

Engaging with Everett

In order to reach more children, the MAG group was divided into two groups of six midshipmen. First Class Midshipman (senior) and MAG Chief of Staff Abigail Ball led the first group, which worked with the Boys and Girls Club in Everett, Washington, the largest city in Snohomish County. To engage children representing a range of different ages and a variety of cultures, they implemented a mix of fun team-building exercises, sports activities, and STEM tutoring and mentoring. Ball recounts this eye-opening experience: “The opportunity to go to Everett and volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club was truly humbling,” she says. “For midshipmen, this was a learning opportunity. I believe you can learn from someone of any age, and working with the children and teens at the Boys & Girls Club taught me a lesson in greater compassion and gratitude that I will keep with me through my military career and beyond.” 

Learning with the Lummi Nation

The second group of six midshipmen traveled to the Lummi Nation Boys & Girls Club in Bellingham, Washington, one hour north of Everett; it’s a town known for its deep ties to the Lummi nation, its pristine lakes and rivers, gorgeous hiking and biking trails, and the location of Western Washington University. The midshipmen spent time training in cultural awareness to better understand the unique customs and traditions of the Lummi nation. They connected with children of all ages through exciting games and activities like tag, four square, and basketball, as well as educational activities including STEM-in-a-box kits that USNA’s STEP Outreach program provided. It was a life-changing experience for both the children and the midshipmen. “After a week with the Lummi Nation Boys & Girls Club, I realized how much we have in common,” says MAG Public Affairs Officer Midshipman 2nd Class (junior) Max Bueno. “I will never forget the amazing mountain views, the competitive spirit of the children of the Lummi Nation, the stories from elder tribal members, and the team bonding. I hope that each person can take this project and apply it to their lives to help more people and explore more cultures.”

Related: Midshipmen Make Spirits Bright.

The Legacy of MAG

Run by midshipmen, MAG has their hands and hearts in about 50 projects totaling 25,000 hours each year, in and around the Annapolis, Baltimore and D.C. areas (even as local Boys & Girls Club volunteers) as well as throughout the country in addition to everything else they juggle on their USNA calendar. MAG’s focus on peer leadership, teamwork, character development, morale, selflessness, and goodwill towards others helps build excellent future naval leaders who show a compassionate commitment to all of the communities they serve.

You can help too! When you visit the Yard, you’re giving back to the midshipmen who give back to our community. Every dining experience, shopping trip and tour generates proceeds that go to the Brigade to fund extracurricular and club activities like the one in Snohomish County. We are grateful for your support and encourage you to come experience the unique environment of USNA where every day is a day of service—in midshipmen classes, in their rigorous physical training, and in the greater community in which they serve. Coming here gives back to all!