BECOME A CHALLENGE CAMP MENTOR

Dan Beard Council, BSA is in search of positive mentors, 21 years or older, to volunteer during an outdoor youth program, Challenge Camp, from July 22-26, 2024 (Ages 8-14). Mentors have the option of volunteering for any or all of the days of camp. Mentors who are volunteering for one or two days of camp must be at camp in time for the daily safety briefing at 8:30 AM. Mentors who are willing to volunteer 3, 4 or all 5 days must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training and complete an Adult Application. In addition to facilitating fun outdoor programming, the volunteers will mentor through team building initiatives and character building.

Challenge Camp is a free summer camp aimed at helping youth, ages 8-14, to grow and learn while experiencing outdoor action and adventure. Conducted each summer, Challenge Camp has served minority outreach communities in our region since 1995. The purpose of Challenge Camp is to build upon the character and values through an interactive camping experience.

“Much has been written about the plight of the inner-city youth and the struggles they face with respect to drugs, gangs and poverty,” said Al Beasley, a longtime Challenge Camp Mentor. “Challenge Camp is an open door to a different world where these youth get an opportunity to see and work with influential men and women. Many of these youth would often ask, ‘Do you think I could be like you when I grow up?’  A tear would often start to fall from my eye as I realized that without hope for a better future what do these youth have? Challenge Camp gives them a chance to be around nature and dream/plan for a positive future by developing a positive self-image.”

If you are interested in learning more about Challenge Camp and how you can become a mentor, please contact Program Leader, Tonya Gross at Tonya.Gross@scouting.org or 513 497-7900.