Jonathan Dukes didn't mind spending his holiday break at the Positive Boys, Positive Men holiday sports camp.
"They teach you a lot. They've taught me how to be a role model for the younger kids, since I'm one of the older ones. But what I've learned most from them is how to stay out of trouble and to obey and honor my parents," said the 16-year-old, who attended the camp for the third year.
Being around children who are half his age doesn't bother him, either.
"It gives me a chance to be like a big brother to them and they look up to me," he said.
Forty-three boys ages 5 to 16 attended the camp, sponsored by the Positive Boys, Positive Men organization.
During the weeklong camp, the boys learn the fundamentals of sports and the coaches talk about life experiences and life skills with them.
"One of the things that make our camp unique is that we are bringing together men to coach and mentor this group of young boys. They talk and share their life experiences," said the organization's founder, Neely Lovett. "But it's not always about us talking. The boys also have a chance to communicate and talk with us."
Most of the boys participating in the camp had participated in previous years. Mr. Lovett credits the camp's retention to the communication between the organization and the boys throughout the year.
"We don't just talk to them during camp and then not talk to them until the next year. We stay in contact with them and they see that we really do care about them," he said.
The camp drew 13-year-old Brandon Bush back for a second year because all are treated with respect and like family, he said.
"The little kids, they look up to me, and the older kids, they're always looking out for me," he said. "When I'm here, it doesn't feel like camp. It just feels like I'm with family."
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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