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Why the Maryland National Guard’s embattled…
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Tuesday, September 1st 2026

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Why the Maryland National Guard’s embattled camp for at-risk youth closed

Freestate was one of five Challenge programs nationally to shut down; Department of Defense cut funding

Major General Janeen Birckhead, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, attends Gov. Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget announcement. (Kim Hairston/Staff)
Major General Janeen Birckhead, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, attends Gov. Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget announcement. (Kim Hairston/Staff)
Kate Cimini
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The Department of War ordered the National Guard Bureau last week to permanently close three Guard-run camp for at-risk teens, among them the Maryland National Guard Freestate Challenge Academy, to boost national defense spending.

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