The Run Lasts 7 miles. The Journey Lasts A Lifetime.
At the core of Ron Burton Training Village is our morning run. It’s not just a task - it’s a tool, one that develops the physical, mental, and emotional discipline that these children need to succeed, both during their stay here and throughout the course of their lives.
In a way, it’s symbolic of their experience here. Each mile marker is a step forward in their journey, and each step forward is progress made towards becoming their best selves.
Mile 1: Mission
The mission of the Ron Burton Training Village is to enrich the lives of challenged youth by focusing on four key areas: academic excellence, character and leadership development, physical fitness, and spiritual growth.
Together, these areas support the development of the entire human around our four core values: Love, Peace, Patience and Humility.
We give you the map to success. It’s up to you to follow it.
Mile 2: Arrival
No one is turned away due to their financial situation. The tuition charged to each participant is based solely on what the family can afford, and all participants receive scholarship support to attend. We also provide assistance with private school and higher education admission, when needed.
Support isn’t just limited to financial means, either. Upon their arrival, they are all given all of their clothes, meals, and accommodations for the five weeks. That includes full Reebok sweat suits, running sneakers, shorts, t-shirts, and socks.
Everyone is dressed the same so that no one feels any different than anyone else. They bring nothing but a sleeping bag, a few personal items, and a willingness to work.
Mile 3: Experience
Each aspect of the village has been carefully selected to help build a groundwork for future success.
Academic studies sets participants up to become one of the top students at their school. Musical opportunities help to build self-respect, creativity, and discipline through the medium of song. Mandatory Bible study five evenings a week allows them to explore the Christian values upon which this experience was founded and, and upon which strong character is built. Physical training in both the weight room and on the sports field helps build self-confidence and an indomitable will to succeed.
And, of course, the run. Five days a week, rain or shine, we embark on an early morning 7 mile run. The course is symbolic of their journey through life, weaving through thick woods and up hilly terrain. It’s a difficult task, but one every participant will master by the time their stay here is complete.
If it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be worth having.
Mile 4: Conclusion
The children you see at the end of their 5 week stay are not the same ones who entered the training village. They have grown intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
This is reflected in their confidence and competence, their approach to life and the belief they have in their ability to overcome any challenges they face.
The physical and intellectual success we’ve helped build is nothing without sound values, wisdom, and good judgment. How you treat others will directly affect your level of success in life.
Your time here will end. Your journey won’t.
Mile 5: Continuation
The lessons don’t end after their departure from the village. We work with participants past their summer session to ensure they are equipped to face what comes next in life – whether that’s higher education, a career, or otherwise.
A firm hand-shake. How to interview for a job. How to give a presentation. How to conduct yourself in groups. How to dress for the job you want. These all become basic knowledge for our kids. We expose them to leading business professionals, scholars, community leaders, military officers and so many more, helping to naturally develop their ability to interact on many levels.
Mile 6: Success
We take pride in the fact that 100% of our high school seniors graduate, with 94% of them continuing on to higher education.
Over $2 million dollars in scholarship opportunities are awarded, including from partnering universities such as Bentley University, Bridgewater State University, and Stonehill College.
Many are called but few are chosen.
Mile 7: Future
Even as they grow and mature, participants never lose sight of the values the village has instilled within them. Many attribute their success, personal or otherwise, to the lessons learned here.
They recognize the pursuit of excellence is a lifelong one. The village, the early mornings, the weight lifting, the 7 mile run – all these things end.
But the journey never will.