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Platoon Leadership Summit

The Platoon Leadership Summit brings together The Mission Continues’ Platoon Leaders (PLs), Leadership Team Members (PLTs), Alumni Leaders (PALs), and National Alumni Service Experts (ASEs) to connect, receive training, access resources, and gain support for leading impactful service projects. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the past year. 

March 2025 PL Summit

Thank you for joining us at the Platoon Leadership Summit! Your energy, insights, and dedication made it an incredible experience, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.

If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to your Platoon Operations Manager. 

Key Documents:

FAQs

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions to address any questions related to the Platoon Leadership Summit, and take a moment to review the Code of Conduct, which outlines the expectations for behavior and ensures a positive and inclusive experience for all participants. For additional inquiries, please reach out via the  Contact Us Form. 

  • Location: Q Center – St. Charles, IL 
  • Dates: Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025; Please ensure you can attend the entire date range.  
  • Roundtrip airfare: Booked to and from your local airport according to Platoon Leadership Summit dates. 
  • Accommodations: Q Center during designated summit dates. (No family, friends, or other guests permitted in overnight accommodations.)  
  • Meals:  
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks: March 21-23 
    • Dinner: March 20-22  
  • Ground Transportation: To/from Chicago airport and hosted Platoon Leadership Summit activities  

Note: We cannot provide lodging, meals, or transportation outside of the Platoon Leadership Summit start and end dates. If local to the area, parking will be covered and mileage reimbursement up to a maximum of $400 is available.  

  • Transportation and meals beyond those listed above.  
  • Personal expenses and gratuities/tips.  

Here’s a general schedule (subject to change—more details will be available upon arrival):   

  • 6:00 am: Wake up  
  • 7:00 am: Breakfast  
  • 8:00 am: Sessions 
  • 12:00 pm: Lunch  
  • 1:00 pm: Sessions 
  • 6:00 pm: Dinner 
  • 7:00 pm: Evening activity  

A “What to Pack” list will be sent out two weeks prior to arrival. Participants are responsible for bringing personal items, including:  

  • Comfortable footwear  
  • Weather-appropriate clothing 
  • Toiletries  
  • Any necessary medications (e.g., aspirin, epi-pens)  

Technical tools and activity-specific equipment will be provided by The Mission Continues.  

Amenities include: 

  • Single occupancy rooms with bathrooms  
  • Fitness Center 
  • Washer and dryer (credit/debit card operated)  
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi  

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in common areas and rooms, but it may be limited. Cell service may vary depending on your provider.  

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please indicate on the Attendance Confirmation to ensure we can accommodate your request. If we’re not notified, we cannot guarantee we can accommodate special dietary needs. A member of our National Events department will follow up to confirm.   

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment and will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We recognize that individuals may have unique needs due to disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances, and we strive to reasonably accommodate those needs to the best of our ability.  Please provide notice at least three weeks before the event for effective accommodation.  

Direct any accommodation requests or questions via the Contact Us form, selecting “Travel & Logistics” from the dropdown menu.  

Yes, trained service animals (as defined by the ADA) are allowed. Please specify this on your acceptance form to allow for proper arrangements and to notify other participants in case of any allergies or concerns. 

For more details, review our The Mission Continues Accessibility and Accommodations policy and reach out through the Contact Us form. 

While we cannot provide direct medical or psychological care, we ask that you manage your health needs, including taking precautions if you’re feeling sick (e.g., wearing a mask). If you are unable to continue participating/serving, you may be asked to return home. 

  • Emergency Care: In case of a serious medical or psychological emergency, The Mission Continues will call 911 and ensure you’re taken to the nearest facility. If you refuse care, you may need to sign a waiver or be asked to leave for your safety. 
  • Urgent Medical Care: For less serious conditions, we may assist with transportation to a medical facility, but if continued care is required, you may need to return home. 

No firearms are permitted, even if you have a concealed carry permit. This is a strict policy, and violations should be reported to a TMC staff member immediately.  

For your comfort and enjoyment we recommend dressing appropriately for both indoor and outdoor sessions. Check the weather and pack accordingly including toiletries and any medications/aspirin.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind: 

  • Layered Clothing: Temperatures will vary between indoor and outdoor activities. Dressing in layers allows for easy adjustments to stay warm and comfortable. Feel free to rock TMC gear all weekend – just do it in layers! 
  • Warm Outerwear: A warm sweatshirt or insulated tops are recommended, especially for outdoor sessions. 
  • Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing for extended periods. Weather-appropriate footwear is advised. 
  • Indoor Attire: Casual attire is suitable for indoor sessions. Make sure to wear something comfortable yet appropriate for the setting that can be easily layered.  
  • For travel comfort and efficiency, we recommend dressing in layers on the plane rather than packing bulky items.

Here are some key tips: 

  • Wear Your Jacket Instead of Packing It: This saves luggage space and keeps you warm in chilly airports or on the plane. You can always remove it and store it in the overhead bin if needed. 
  • Dress in Layers: A sweatshirt or fleece under your jacket allows you to adjust to temperature changes between the plane, airport, and destination and save luggage space. 
  • Wear Heavier Shoes Instead of Packing Them: If you’re bringing boots or other heavy footwear, wearing them during the flight can free up suitcase space. If they’re not the most comfortable for long travel, consider bringing a pair of packable slippers or slip-ons for in-flight comfort. 
  • Please refer to the TSA checklist for helpful tips 

In regard to the agenda: 

  • Thursday:
    • Travel day – comfortable clothing 
  • Friday:
    • Indoor & Outdoor Sessions 
  • Saturday:  
    • Indoor & Outdoor Sessions,
    • Closing Dinner: Casual/jeans 
  • Sunday:
    • Travel day – comfortable clothing 

If you are seeing a mental health professional, inform them of your intention to participate and follow their recommendations. 

The Mission Continues strictly prohibits the usage of alcohol and illegal substances during any service project. 

Participants are expected to act responsibly and are required to comply with all state and local laws governing the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol, prescribed medications, and non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, antacids, decongestants, antihistamines, and laxatives.  

Engaging in the use of illegal substances or the misuse of prescribed medications or non-prescription drugs during any service project or event is considered a serious violation of our policies. Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the event.

Our priority is to maintain a safe and productive environment for all participants. Violating this policy undermines our mission and values. Disorderly or intoxicated people will not be tolerated. Any individual found violating this policy will be immediately removed from the event or project. 

Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Use of any illegal drugs or smoking/vaping outside of designated areas is prohibited and may lead to removal from the event. 

If you can no longer attend, please notify us as soon as possible through the Contact Us form (select “General”). This helps us plan accordingly and potentially give another veteran the opportunity to participate. 

  • The confirmation/rsvp deadline is January 20, 2025.  
  • Participants must complete the Platoon Leadership Summit confirmation by the deadline.  

Yes! To attend Platoon Leadership Summit, Platoon Leaders and Leadership Team members (PLT) must complete the foundational self-paced training on the Veteran Online Leadership Training (VOLT) by Jan 20th.  

This training includes: 

  •  6 courses for all PLT members, approx. 4 hours total covering topics like: 
    • The Mission Continues’ approach to service and community partnerships. 
    • Volunteer recruitment and engagement. 
    • Project management and Basecamp training. 
       
  • 2 additional courses specifically for Platoon Leaders, an additional 1 hour, focusing on: 
    • The PLP App for event planning. 
    • Nexonia for managing reimbursements and grants. 

The VOLT training is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and tools necessary to lead impactful service projects. The Platoon Leadership Summit will build on these concepts, offering advanced, hands-on training opportunities.  
 
Completing the VOLT training ensures that you are prepared to fully engage with the summit’s content and take your leadership to the next level. 

For questions or assistance, please utilize the Contact Us form and select Learning from the drop-down menu. 

Once confirmed, transportation, meals as outlined, lodging, and all necessary tools and supplies are covered by The Mission Continues.  

For any additional questions or concerns about Platoon Leadership Summit, please contact us via the Contact Us form on our website. 

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