Camp seeks to instill positive attitude in youths

Sports isn't everything at the Positive Boys, Positive Men's annual holiday camp.

"We teach them how to be productive boys who will grow into productive men," said Neely Lovett, the founder and director of the nonprofit organization. "With 2009 coming in, we wanted to prepare them for challenges they may face and give them the support they are going to need by mentoring them and teaching them life skills."

For five years, the organization has sponsored a holiday camp and a summer camp for boys ages 8-15.

The holiday camp at T.W. Josey High School started Dec. 22 and ended Wednesday. The boys were taught sportsmanship and the fundamentals of various sports. They also learned about things such as respect, remaining focused on academics, setting goals and faith.

Mr. Lovett said that he tries to create a family atmosphere with the campers so that even when camp is over they will remain connected.

"A lot of them play sports for their schools and play against each other, so they see each other often," he said. "During the game they are very competitive, but after the game you see them asking each other how they've been and asking if they are going to be at our next camp. There's a brotherhood and lots of love among the boys."

About 40 campers were enrolled in the holiday camp, and nearly 95 percent of them had attended at least one of the organization's camps before, Mr. Lovett said.

Juwuan Tolbert, 13, has attended the camps for five years.

"I like the fact that every year is different and it keeps you out of trouble," he said. "I meet new friends, and the coaches encourage me to be my best. I know that if I'm down or need advice they are willing to help me."

After his experience with the holiday camp, first-time camper Ashton Grant, 12, said he wants to attend more of the organization's camps.

"It's a good environment and they teach us things that we need to know to do well in life, like having respect, sportsmanship and responsibility," he said. "They are role models for us, and they teach us how to be good citizens."

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.