By Dr. Melvin T. Miller
260 African American young males from across North and South Carolina took part in the 2025 Sixth District Boys Leadership Camp, hosted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., at Winston-Salem State University from July 13–18. The free weeklong camp provided life-changing experiences for boys ages 8 to 14, focusing on leadership development, personal growth, and community responsibility.
Since its founding in 1986, the Boys Leadership Camp has served as a cornerstone of mentorship and empowerment in communities.
Campers were provided with recreational opportunities in basketball, football, soccer, golf, and pickleball. A special lacrosse clinic, sponsored by USA Lacrosse and the Uplift Project, Inc., introduced many campers to the sport for the first time.
The camp also placed a strong emphasis on STEM education. In partnership with Bee Geek, Inc., campers learned to dismantle and rebuild computers, gaining a working understanding of hardware components and troubleshooting. They were also immersed in virtual reality (VR), building and interacting with digital environments to understand VR’s role in education, gaming, and future careers.
One of the highlights of the week came with a surprise visit from television writer and producer Calvin Brown Jr., whose credits include The Proud Family, Moesha, and My Brother and Me. Brown inspired campers by sharing stories of his career and the importance of creativity, persistence, and representation in media.
Local first responders also supported the camp, with live demonstrations from the Winston-Salem Police Department, SWAT Team, and Fire Department.
Behind the scenes, the camp was made possible by the dedicated service of undergraduate and graduate members of Omega Psi Phi’s Sixth District, which includes chapters throughout North and South Carolina. Their commitment reflects the fraternity’s broader mission of uplifting youth through education, mentorship, and community service.
Founded in 1911 at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first Black Greek-letter fraternity established at a historically Black college. Today, it includes more than 700 chapters across the United States and abroad. Its members are leaders in fields ranging from the arts and sciences to government, education, and civil rights.
For nearly four decades, the Sixth District Boys Leadership Camp has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for young men—and in 2025, that tradition continued stronger than ever.