Extreme Military Challenge - Vinemont, Alabama

Lauren B.

I have been going to XMC for three years now. I first went in the summer of 2022 as a 13-year-old female. As of right now, I have completed three courses and Spring On-the-Job-Training. I will be going back in a few weeks for the entire summer. I am so glad I found XMC. All of the cadre are incredible. Personally, I didn't realize I was capable of completing everything I did, but the cadre knew I could before I did. They do not tolerate any bad behavior and are not worried about sending challengers home who break the rules. XMC is not meant to be a walk in the park. As COL Land says, "Extreme, military, challenge: none of those three words mean easy." I hold several leadership positions at school and I have become more outgoing and confident. I have to give credit to XMC for pushing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to try new things. Along with getting more physically fit, I have challenged myself mentally and now I am able to take on more challenging roles and tasks in my daily life. XMC is an amazing place for teens to get such an amazing experience that they can't get anywhere else.

Kaitlin G.

For anyone considering sending their children here, I would highly encourage you to do your research and call and speak with the commander. My son is currently having health issues that make it so he is unable to attend camp. Not only are they unwilling to provide a refund in anyway, but they also refuse to provide documentation and information and when on the phone cussed me out, told me I could talk to
"God" about my concerns and hung up twice. I am mortified that I considered sending my son here and just want to caution everyone to research and talk to others. So scary to think these are the people we were trusting our son with.
Please feel free to message me with any questions or similar concerns as l am looking to hold the camp accountable and protect our kiddos. Thanks!

Jake M.

Best camp I have ever been to, was there in July of 2024 and I totally enjoyed it. I highly recommend.

Melissa S.

We signed our kid up and paid in full THEN after full payment they sent a waiver ABSOLVING THE CAMP FROM LIABILITY, EVEN IN CASES OF DEATH DUE TO NEGLIGENCE! It is one thing to send a kid to a camp that is going to be physically demanding. It is a totally different thing for the camp to not want to be responsible at all. We refused to sign the waiver and the camp will not allow our son to attend AND refused to refund us the money. They will not send you this waiver until after you sign up and after you paid. Only pay if you are willing for your child to be neglected.

Julia R.

This is an awesome program for kids that are interested in a legitimate military experience.

The expectations are high, the program is challenging, but if your kids are willing to put in the work, the benefits are truly wonderful. Confidence, teamwork, learning how to work under pressure... there are too many positives to put on paper.

Our son went through the program, and it motivated him to bring his grades up so he could go the following year.

Had we found this program earlier, he would have gone more often.

To say we Highly Recommend this program is just not enough !!!!

Rob L.

My son had a great experience here. It was not easy, and that was the point. This is a real deal, life changing experience. Know that this is not a camp for "problem kids". It's a camp for kids who want to experience a taste of what boot camp may be like. That includes sleep deprivation, hard physical activity and complete accountability. My son is going back for the Scuba sessions this summer. PS - My older child is a Cow at West Point, so I have some experience for comparison, and this would be a great prep/gut check if your child is thinking about applying to a service academy.

wendy H.

If there was a way to leave no stars…I would.
Not at all what a parent would want for their child.
No communication with staff.
No communication with your child and a ridiculous no refund policy.
Sent my son home after he was injured and called his inability to participate in insane exercise in 100F heat, “insubordination”.
No refund for unused camp Sessions to the tune of thousands of dollars. (Wasn’t even allowed to bring home the clothing that we paid for.) Had to spring for an additional flight on a Holiday with less than 24hrs notice to retrieve my son. Tried to reason with “Col” Land. Unbelievably unprofessional. If I ran my business that way I would be out of business. Not disclosing injuries of children regardless of the situation is criminal.
BEWARE. I deeply regret making the decision to send my son to XMC. It has scarred his opinion of the military and possibly changed his future in a negative way. There are better camps including the one at Southern Preparatory Academy, Camp Hill AL, that have amazing staff, real military Officials and facility that is well appointed to train and care for your CHILD! Not to mention at a fraction of the expense. I hesitated to make this review until another parent reached out with more horror stories of this summers camp events including multiple ER visits and allegedly an attempted suicide. I know that my son personally asked to call me and was refused even post falling down stairs. Please, reconsider sending your son and especially not your daughter to this camp.

The D.

XMC is the leader in military-based summer programs. The program uses outstanding military (former and retired) and local civilian staff. Safety is the primary concern at all times. It is truly the best introduction into military-type training bar none.

The young men and women who attend can gain experiences that can be put to practical use in any aspect of daily life, regardless of career path. There is a problem, however.

That problem is the young man or woman who is sent there by a parent who has no idea of the program's expectations. Your child is expected to perform to the best of their abilities. Your child is expected to follow directions without mouthing off. Your child is expected to be a team player in every situation.

The time spent at the camp can enrich it can also be very uncomfortable (hot or cold weather, tired and dirty from a hard day's work, etc.). Growth never happens from a position of comfort.

Please understand that everyone involved not only has certain expectations, but also a responsibility. The parents and child, must fulfill their responsibilities, just like the staff at XMC does, in order for those who attend the camp to have a successful time there.

One can see not only unmet, unrealistic expectations in the poor reviews here, but unfulfilled responsibilities on the part of the parents and/or child as well.