CARVILLE — Five teenagers who left the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Carville have been found, officials said Wednesday.

According to St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau, because the program is voluntary, the teenagers were considered runaways when they went missing Tuesday afternoon.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Louisiana National Guard said that the teens were accounted for.

"Some Youth Challenge Program cadets do have a tendency to run away within the first few weeks of in-processing, and local law enforcement is contacted to assist in their safe return," a spokesperson for the National Guard said.

The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a military-style alternative educational program for 16- to 18-year-olds. According to their website, they focus on self-discipline, leadership, and responsibility while helping students work toward a high school equivalency diploma.