By Dr. Melvin T. Miller
The Sixth District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. welcomed 239 young African American males, ages 8 to 14, from North and South Carolina to Winston-Salem State University for the Sixth District’s Boys Leadership Camp. The Boys Leadership Camp has been instrumental in the development and mentoring of youth across the Carolinas since its inception in 1986.
The Sixth District Boys Leadership Camp was held Sunday, July 14 through Friday, July 19. The camp provided workshops on leadership and life skills that the campers could carry back to their respective communities. The camp was free to all campers.
The campers experienced workshops that included Conflict Resolution, African American History, Scholarship, Financial Literacy, Setting Goals, Introduction to College, Problem Solving, Team Building, and Public Speaking. The campers participated in various activities such as Golf, Horseback Riding, Basketball, Tennis, Football, and Pickleball. USA Lacrosse, in conjunction with the Uplift Project, Inc. sponsored a first-ever lacrosse clinic for our campers. Demonstrations were provided by the Winston-Salem SWAT Team, Winston-Salem Police Department, and Winston-Salem Fire
Department. Campers were surprised by a virtual guest appearance by Rajah Caruth, a full-time professional racing driver that competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Caruth is also a senior at Winston-Salem State University majoring in Motorsports Management.
Campers were greeted with words of encouragement from Mrs. Bonita J. Brown, the 14th Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. Also, Winston-Salem State University Head Football Coach Robert Massey talked with our campers about having a passion for what you want to do or become in the future. Mr. Antonio Stevenson of My Brother’s Second Chance discussed setting positive educational goals with our campers.
After the camp a parent/ staff/fraternity member reached out to Brother Dr. Melvin Miller, Camp Director, “I am just sitting here reflecting and wanted to express my gratitude to you for the awesome job you did with the Boys Camp.”
Another parent reached out to say “I want to take the time out to say thank you for a great week for my campers. My campers were excited and wanted to stay longer.”
One of our community partners said “Lacrosse has a rich history and is a sport that offers so much in terms
of physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. I was thrilled to be part of bringing it to this community.”
Another community partner said, “The enthusiasm and eagerness to learn that I saw from these young boys was incredible.”
A staff/fraternity member said, “It has truly been a wonderful week spending time with our young people here at the camp. Thank you again for the opportunity to impact our future leaders of the world.”
Another staff/fraternity member said, “The camp makes a positive impact on these young men.”
Based on the responses, the camp not only had a positive impact on the campers, but the community as well. None of these positive reactions would be possible without the camp counselors and staff that oversee the camp. The camp counselors and staff are comprised of undergraduate and graduate Brothers of the Sixth District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The Sixth District is comprised of graduate and undergraduate chapters in North and South Carolina. Worldwide, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has over 700 chapters throughout the United States, Bermuda, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, Kuwait and the United Kingdom.