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S.C. (WIS) – Boys from Sumter County and surrounding communities spent three days learning about leadership, accountability and teamwork during a free summer camp hosted by Bible Way Church of Sumter and the Transforming Lives Community Development Center
The inaugural Men in Training, or M.I.T., Boys Summer Camp was designed for boys ages 8 to 14. Camp leaders used games, dodgeball, obstacle courses and group activities to reinforce lessons on integrity, participation and making responsible choices
Volunteers said the camp created an environment where boys could build confidence while connecting with one another
“I love seeing all the guys come together,” volunteer Stacey Holliday said. “They communicate well, they’re answering questions.”
M.I.T. instructor Jabaar Carmack said he hoped to bring energy to the program and encourage campers to believe in their abilities
“My goal is to bring energy to the kids, to let the kids know that you can do anything that you put your mind to,” Carmack said
Carrice Watkins, executive director of Transforming Lives CDC, said one highlight was seeing the boys apply the lessons they heard from camp presenters
“My favorite part has been seeing the M.I.T. boys be able to answer the questions that the presenters have been given,” Watkins said. “That shows that they’ve been paying attention during their M.I.T. sessions and just watching the boys have a good time together.”
Bible Way Church of Sumter Pastor Eric Rush said the program was also about creating meaningful connections between mentors and young people
“I see myself in these boys, and I think that’s really the whole story and cycle of life,” Rush said. “I think we need to be able to look in each other’s eyes and see ourselves. I think that will impact how we relate to each other and just how we encourage and strengthen and build each other as well.”
Camp leaders emphasized that leadership begins with personal responsibility
Volunteer Tirone Carolina said he enjoyed seeing campers participate and grow throughout the program
“Really just seeing them engaging with each other and just having fun and looking like they are actually enjoying and growing in this whole process,” Carolina said
Each participant received a free lunch and a swag bag at the end of camp. Organizers also recognized three boys in each age group for leadership, teamwork and participation
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