The DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF), in partnership with local organizations, recently concluded another successful year of its DEAEF Youth Baseball Camp in Delaware. This impactful program continues to empower youth by teaching valuable life skills through the sport of baseball.

Morning Session at Sankofa Inner City Cultural League

Each morning from Monday to Friday, Coaches Rick Zeitlin and Pete Harbolick led the baseball camp at Sankofa Inner City Cultural League in Dover, Delaware. Running for two hours each morning, this camp primarily served foster children, with participants ranging from elementary to middle school age. The camp, now in its fourth year at this location, hosted 25 enthusiastic students.

Throughout the week, the students engaged in various activities, including stretching, running, fielding ground balls, hitting, and learning the basics of baseball. The program culminated in a friendly wiffleball game, where the camaraderie and sportsmanship fostered during the camp were on full display. 

The impact of the DEAEF Baseball Camp at Sankofa Inner City Cultural League extended beyond just the participants. Some students who had attended the camp in previous years returned to help with the program, demonstrating the lasting influence and community spirit the camp instills. In addition this year, a high school volunteer from Los Angeles assisted with the training.  An administrator at the Sankofa Inner City Cultural Center noted that the DEA Baseball Camp consistently draws the largest turnout of all their summer programs, highlighting its popularity and success.

Afternoon Session at Wilmington Elementary School

After wrapping up the morning camp, Coaches Pete and Rick drove an hour to Wilmington Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware, to conduct the afternoon session of the baseball camp. Here, they welcomed 75 kids, creating a vibrant and bustling environment for learning and fun. This location, hosting the camp for the third consecutive year, saw the tradition grow stronger with each passing summer.

At Wilmington, the afternoons followed a similar structure, with the coaches engaging the students in stretching, running, fielding, hitting, and other baseball fundamentals. The week-long camp built up to a final game, providing the young athletes an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills and to experience the joy of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Building Skills and Providing Gear

Throughout both sessions, Coaches Rick and Pete focused on more than just the physical aspects of baseball. They emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, perseverance and added in the importance of staying drug-free message to perform your best. By the end of the week, students not only improved their baseball skills but also gained confidence and a sense of accomplishment. 

As a token of appreciation and to encourage continued participation in sports, all students received gloves, hats, t-shirts, and baseballs at the end of the camp. These gifts symbolize the support and investment in their futures, both in sports and beyond.

The Impact of DEAEF Baseball Camp

The DEAEF Baseball Camp exemplifies the positive impact of community collaboration and educational initiatives that combine sports with personal development. The coaches’ dedication and the students’ enthusiasm created an environment where young people could thrive, learn, and grow.

By providing a structured, supportive, and fun setting, the DEAEF Baseball Camp helped foster children and other youth in Delaware develop essential life skills. The program’s success was evident in the returning participants who assisted with the camp, the high turnout rates, and the enthusiastic participation from the children.

As the DEAEF Baseball Camp continues to evolve and expand, it remains a testament to the power of sports in shaping young lives. With the ongoing support of coaches like Pete and Rick, the DEA Educational Foundation, and local partners, these camps are making a lasting difference, equipping young participants with the tools they need to lead successful, drug-free lives.