SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- 40 Naval Sea Cadets from all over the country are in South Portland this week, learning how to scuba dive, and learning what it takes to be a member of the US Coast Guard.
The Naval Sea Cadets are all between 11 and 18 years old and often have an interest in military careers.
This week, they're learning everything from how to handle a hazmat spill to how to determine whether buoys in the ocean are where they're supposed to be.
The Cadets say it is an amazing experience. 16 year-old Rachel Thorson, came here from Illinois. It's her first advanced training experience. She said, "It's amazing here. I don't want to go home! The people, the atmosphere. I'm at a Coast Guard base. I'm 16, so doing all this -- it's not real!"
The students had to go through boot camp before being eligible for this advanced training. But not all of the cadets going through this program are specifically interested in joining the Coast Guard. Many of the skills are transferable to other branches of the military or any leadership position.

You can learn more about the Naval Sea Cadets at www.usnsccsp.org

NEWS CENTER