President, Devil Pups, Inc. Cover Letter to Prospective Eagles
I appreciate your interest in returning to the Devil Program in the capacity of Eagle. Your interest and application serve as evidence of your commitment to the program. Eagle applicants must be 14-17 years of age. Unfortunately, many highly qualified applicants will not be chosen simply because fewer spaces are available. If selected to serve as an Eagle, you will be required to pay a $150 application fee. This fee will be used to offset increased costs for the Encampment.
Eagle service for the 2026 encampment begins on Sunday, 5 July, and concludes on Saturday, 18 July.
The selected Eagles for 2026 will report on Sunday, 5 July 2026, between 0900 and 1200. Members of the Devil Pup staff will meet the Eagles at the Main Gate/Visitor Center off Vandegrift Blvd.
Directions by Direction of Travel:
- From San Diego (South): Take I-5 North to Exit 54B (Camp Pendleton).
- From Los Angeles (North): Take I-5 South to Exit 54C (Oceanside Harbor Drive), then turn left to reach the Main Gate/Visitor Center off Vandegrift Blvd.
As most of you are aware, serving as an Eagle is demanding. The hours are long, and the tasks seem never-ending. These are trademarks of any training-related environment. Applicants must be fully aware that the standards and expectations of Eagles far exceed those of Devil Pups. Serving as an Eagle is an honor and privilege; it is a duty and billet that garners the respect of our staff and active-duty Marines alike.
The primary focus of the Eagle program is to serve every Devil Pup in a manner that reflects compassion, models excellence, sets an example, and provides peer mentoring. Everything this program does is aimed at serving the Devil Pups. Priority #1 is ensuring the safety and success of every Devil Pup. Reaching the standard of success for every Devil Pup is a dynamic target and a constant challenge.
As you already know, Devil Pups arrive in four age groups (14-17), possess varied skill sets, arrive from incredibly diverse family situations, and reflect a wide range of personal aspirations. Reaching, impacting, and shaping the Devil Pups in the areas mentioned requires leadership. Eagles will be expected to demonstrate positive leadership skills 24/7.
The Devil Pup staff will conduct various leadership discussions exclusively with the Eagle cadre. Our objective is twofold: first, to improve the leadership skill sets of each Eagle; second, to enable Eagles to exercise leadership throughout the training schedule.
Every selected Eagle must understand and comply with the standards in executing this demanding duty. We will not hesitate to remove an Eagle from training or send an Eagle home. This experience promises to be a lifetime highlight and a positive endeavor; however, it requires a selfless applicant with a high degree of initiative and unapproachable integrity. We look forward to serving with you if you are indeed that person.
Applications are due by 15 May 2026. All applicants, whether selected or not, will be notified no later than 29 May 2026.
Respectfully,
T.P. Deneke, Colonel, USMCR (Ret)
tpdeneke@gmail.com
Contact Information
Hold Harmless Agreement
All participants, their parents, heirs, successors, assigns or any other person having claims by and through them, agree to participation in all events and programs run by or associated with Devil Pups Youth Program for America (aka Devil Pups, Inc) (hereinafter referred to as Devil Pups) during January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.
I hereby authorize my minor child to participate in any and all activities associated with Devil Pups, and all the programs offered including, but not limited to, transportation, physical exercise, training, team-building activities, community service, classroom instruction, dining, and living accommodations. I hereby agree for myself and for my child, my successors, heirs and assigns, family, and volunteer employees and other participants or persons having claims by or through me acting officially, voluntarily, or otherwise, to assume all risks and to fully and forever release Devil Pups, its heirs, successors, assigns, employees, directors, representatives, and assigns, from, and waive any and all claims for, all liabilities, claims, damages, expenses, personal liability, losses, demands, actions or causes of action that I, and my child, may have on account of any injury, loss, claim, damage to his/her person or property, injury, illness, death or economic loss, known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever from his/her presence, attendance at, association with or participation in Devil Pups including during training, classroom instruction, teambuilding activities, transportation, living accommodations, dining, and community service at MCB Camp Pendleton, in my local area with a designated Devil Pups Liaison Representative, or at any location associated with, part of or connected to Devil Pups.
Devil Pups strictly follows federal, state and local COVID-19 mandates and preventive measures; however, Devil Pups cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, by signing this agreement you and your child, successors, heirs, assigns, and any other persons having claims through your, agree and understand that participating with Devil Pups could increase your risk and your child(ren)’s risk of contracting COVID-19. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19, that participating in activities related to Devil Pups could increase my or my children’s risk of contracting COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending Devil Pups events & activities and that such exposure or infection may result in injury, personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and/or death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at Devil Pups may result from the direct actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, Devil Pups employees, volunteers, staff members, trustees, Marine Corps officials and program participants and their families.
I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to my child(ren) or myself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I or my child(ren) may experience or incur in connection with my child(ren)’s attendance at Devil Pups or participation in Devil Pups programming.
I hereby agree for myself and for my child, my successors, heirs and assigns, family, and volunteer employees and other participants or persons having claims by or through me acting officially, voluntarily, or otherwise, to assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury, disability, illness, death, loss, claim, liability damage or expense, and to fully and forever release Devil Pups, its heirs, successors, assigns, employees, directors, representatives, and assigns, from, and waive any and all claims for, all liabilities, claims, damages, expenses, personal liability, losses, demands, actions or causes of action that I, and my child, heirs, successors, or assigns, may have on account of any injury, loss, claim, damage to his/her person or property, injury, illness, death or economic loss, known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever from his/her presence, attendance at, association with or participation in Devil Pups including during training, classroom instruction, teambuilding activities, transportation, living accommodations, dining, and community service at MCB Camp Pendleton, in my local area with a designated Devil Pups Liaison Representative, or at any location associated with, part of or connected to Devil Pups.
On my behalf, and on behalf of myself, my children, heirs, family, successors, and assigns and any other persons having claims through me, I hereby fully, without qualification or limitation assume all risks and fully and forever release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless Devil Pups, its employees, agents, heirs, successors, assigns, employees, directors, and representatives, of and from Devil Pups during programming, training, housing, dining, physical fitness, training, classroom instruction, teambuilding, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, illness, injury, costs, damage to or loss of property, economic loss, or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any Devil Pups programming, training, physical fitness, housing, dining, community service, transportation, or other associated activities based on the direct actions, omissions, or negligence of Devil Pups, its employees, agents, and representatives, staff members, trustees, directors, or Marine Corps officials whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any Devil Pups programs.
I acknowledge that my child does not currently have COVID-19, they are not currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and to my knowledge, they have not recently been in contact with anyone who has had COVID-19. I acknowledge that they will follow all COVID-19 mitigation measures implemented by federal, state, and local authorities, including but not limited to wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and/or any other requirement implemented by federal, state, or local authorities.
Participation Agreement
In consideration of my child, a minor under the age of eighteen years, being afforded the use of the facilities of the U.S. Marine Corps and Devil Pups, Inc., I do hereby release and discharge the United States of America and officers and employees and other personnel of the United States Marine Corps, United States Navy and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, and Devil Pups, Inc., its agent and employees for all claims of damages, demands and action whatsoever in any manner arising from my child's participating in the Devil Pups Program.
Nothing herein is to constitute a waiver of any right that my child has to medical treatment based upon his/her status as a military dependent of an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a retiree of the United States Armed Forces.
I attest and verify that I have full knowledge of the risks involved in this activity and that he/she is physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate therein.
I understand that if my child is injured or becomes ill while at Devil Pups, he/she will be given medical treatment, and I hereby authorize and consent to any X-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment and hospital care which is deemed advisable by and rendered under the general supervision of U.S. Naval Medical or Civilian Medical personnel. I further agree to pay the cost of any such care and treatment. In the event I have health insurance which provides benefits for my child, I hereby assign such benefits payable to me for the medical care and treatment and the hospitalization of my son/daughter to the U.S. Navy and/or the U.S. Marine Corps operating the medical facilities providing such care and treatment.
I understand and agree to pay the cost of transportation of my child from Camp Pendleton to my home should my son/daughter leave the program either at my request or the request of Devil Pups, Inc., prior to completion of the program. Should my child for any reason, miss the scheduled transportation provided immediately following graduation, I will Pay for his/her transportation home. My child will bring $40.00 cash to the encampment to cover incidental items.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT MY SON/DAUGHTER IS NEITHER EPILEPTIC NOR ASTHMATIC AND HE/SHE DOES NOT HAVE CONGENITAL DEFECTS WHICH MAY BE AGGRAVATED IN THIS PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT. I will attend the graduation of my son/daughter at Camp Pendleton.
Health Information
Applicants who are epileptics, asthmatics, have congenital defects which may cause increased aggravation/injury in this physical environment are not eligible to attend the encampment.
1. If the applicant has had, or now has any of the following, check all that apply and indicate approximate date of occurrence:
Photo / Video / Film Release
The Devil Pups may encounter the news media, video and film crews, or photographers hired by the Devil Pups, Inc. for the purpose of taking promotional or publicity photographs, video or film. There is a possibility that students and adults attending programs will be photographed. I give my consent to authorize the Devil Pups, Inc., or any entity or person authorized or designated by them the use and reproduction of any and all photographs, video or film taken of the person named as the subject of this application during Devil Pups training or related activities. I understand there will be no compensation to me. All negatives and positives, together with said prints, video or film are the property of the Devil Pups, Inc. or the entity or person authorized or designated by it, solely and completely. I also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video or film taken during said training or related activities. I affirmatively release and discharge the Devil Pups, Inc. from responsibility for any distortion or manipulation, whether intentional or otherwise, of photos, video or film taken of your child while a participant in the Devil Pups Program. I / We, the undersign, do hereby certify that I/we have read and fully understand the attached release and waiver; that I / We have fully consented to such release and waiver and expressly give the candidate permission to participate in Devil Pups.
Take a picture of your Physical Examination Form and upload it to your application below.
The Physical Examination Form itself must be taken with you to camp when you go. Keep it in a safe place.
Take a picture of the front and back of your health insurance card and upload them below.
A printed copy of your insurance card, front and back, must be taken with you to camp when you go. Keep it in a safe place.
Take a picture of the Medical Treatment Authorization Form and upload it below.
The signed Medical Treatment Authorization Form itself must be taken with you to camp when you go. Keep it in a safe place.
Take a picture of a copy of your unofficial school transcripts (access via school counseling office) and upload it below.
This does NOT need to be taken with you to camp when you go.
