CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Meck Investment Company is hosting its annual “Impact Camp” at Johnson C. Smith University this week. The goal is to seek solutions for children's futures - no matter where they come from.
Many of the kids at Impact Camp come from at-risk communities. Organizers said they open enrollment to families in affordable housing programs and CMS. This week, they’re making an impact on 250 boys’ lives through mentorship and career education.
Many of the boys said they have fun playing sports and making friends, but there’s a deeper meaning to the camp.
"We bait them in with sports, but the camp is not about sports, I promise you that," Co-founder Christopher Jenkins told WCNC Charlotte's Julia Kauffman.
Executive Director Shawn Kennedy said guest speakers from local businesses, CMPD, and even NASCAR teach the kids about different career paths.
"We show these young men, it doesn’t matter where you're born, you can go anywhere in this world," Kennedy said.
They instill the "Four E's" into every lesson: Enrollment, employment, entrepreneurship, and enlistment.
It’s something junior counselor Elijah Jones has kept with him since joining the camp years ago.
"I tried to get a job two weeks ago," Jones said. "Since I turned 14, I can work at Chick-fil-A."
The goal is to inspire children to take charge of their future.
"There's a lot out there for them, but they just need to be exposed to it," Kennedy said.
Impact Camp has grown massively over the years and Kennedy said they're always looking for more volunteers and sponsors. They hope to host 400 boys next summer, and the camp is free for all families.
Meck Investment Company has a volunteer form on its website.
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