Each summer, the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) extends its reach to communities across the United States through engaging and impactful summer camp and workshop programs. These initiatives aim to keep youth engaged, focusing on prevention and mentorship during a time when they might otherwise be unoccupied. By providing structured activities and positive role models, DEAEF‘s summer programs help guide hundreds of young people in cities from coast to coast.

Portland, Maine: Hip-Hop Dance Camp

In Portland, Maine, DEAEF’s summer program took the form of a vibrant hip-hop dance camp. Held at Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio, the camp ran for eight Saturdays, with one-hour sessions each week. Led by Josh Wright from The Pine State Breakers, the program attracted a unique group of students—primarily boys, with only one girl among the participants.

The students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, learned hip-hop dance techniques and worked towards a final performance. Parents, guardians, and friends were invited to witness the culmination of their hard work on the last Saturday of the camp. Each student received a t-shirt as a token of their participation.

“Because of the DEAEF, we were able to have a class where boys experienced having a positive male role model, a safe place to learn to move their bodies, an outlet for emotions, all having a huge impact on these developing young males. They arrive with enthusiasm, showcase determination and grit, and leave with a strong sense of confidence and self-worth,” said Elizabeth Lau, Community Programs Director with Portland Youth Dance.

Despite the financial challenges faced by many in the community, the camp provided a much-needed outlet for the youth, who otherwise might not have had access to such opportunities.

Cary, North Carolina: Hip-Hop Dance Workshop

In Cary, North Carolina, DEAEF hosted a five-week Hip-Hop Dance Workshop, meeting twice a week at the Worrhdale Community Center. The program, led by Esha Hickson, culminated in a final performance on the last Friday of July. The workshop catered to elementary-aged children from various schools in the area, drawing around 20 participants.

The kids received t-shirts and certificates upon completion of the workshop. The program emphasized the drug-free message throughout the sessions, with students learning the Red Ribbon Pledge. The workshop's popularity was evident, as it quickly filled up, leading to a waitlist.

Feedback from parents highlighted the importance of free dance programming, particularly for families who otherwise could not afford such opportunities. The DEAEF Youth Program provided these children with a chance to participate in dance, fostering creativity and physical activity.

Cleveland, Ohio: Martial Arts and Dance Workshops

Cleveland saw an expansion of DEAEF’s summer community offerings with two rounds of Martial Arts and Dance workshops. The martial arts program, run by S.M. Smith Martial Arts, involved a three-day, three-hour morning program at the Dojo. Led by Scott Smith and his team, the program welcomed returning students from North Ridgeville Academic Center and the wider community, focusing on martial arts skills, self-reliance, teamwork, and discipline. The 40 students who participated left with white belts, DEAEF Martial Arts t-shirts, and certificates.

In addition, Ballet Legato hosted a week-long morning camp titled “Super Hero Dance.” This camp brought students from the Martial Arts Community and Ranger High Tech Academy to the Ballet Legato studio. Directed by Jennifer Muselin, the camp taught students to create their own dances and develop their creativity, alongside honing their dance skills. The 20 students, aged 8-13, ended the program with DEAEF Dance t-shirts, certificates, and a positive, empowering experience.

St. Louis, Missouri: Multi-Sport Camp

In St. Louis, Missouri, DEAEF partnered with the St. Louis County Police Athletic League (PAL) to offer a comprehensive sports camp. This program combined a two-day workshop with a five-week camp, featuring baseball, basketball, and soccer. Running four days a week from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, the camp served 32 kids, aged 8-14, from various schools around the area.

Each participant received sports gear, including baseball gloves, hats, balls, basketballs, and soccer balls. A highlight of the camp was a trip to a St. Louis Cardinals game, which, despite being rained out, provided an exciting outing for the kids. Guy Gomez from the DEA delivered a drug-free presentation, reinforcing the program‘s core message.

Chicago, Illinois: Baseball Camp

In Chicago, DEAEF collaborated with Windy City Sports Non-Profit to run a week-long baseball camp at Smith Park in the Ukrainian Village. Scheduled for August 4-9, the camp operated Monday to Friday in the evenings and concluded with a Saturday morning session. The program served 22 low-income kids, aged 9-13, from the local area.

Each participant received a glove, t-shirt, hat, and baseball. The camp concluded with a pizza party and a small baseball game, fostering a sense of community and accomplishment among the participants. The program also included the Red Ribbon Pledge, reinforcing the commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

The Foundation thanks the Geraty Family for their support of the DEAEF Youth Baseball Programs in Chicago!

Los Angeles, California: Baseball Camp

In Los Angeles, Coach Chris Scarff led a short baseball camp from June 10-13 at Sunnymead Middle School in Moreno Valley. The camp catered to 10 kids, aged 11-14, all from Sunnymead Middle School. Each participant received a glove, t-shirt, hat, and baseball. The camp has been a staple at Sunnymead for the past three years, and this year was no exception. Ruth Morales from the DEA attended, providing a drug-free presentation to the students.

Impact and Feedback

The DEAEF summer programs have consistently received positive feedback from students, parents, and administrators. Participants have expressed gratitude for the opportunities to engage in structured, enriching activities that they might not otherwise have access to. The programs' emphasis on mentorship, skill-building, and drug prevention has had a significant impact on both the youth and the communities they serve.

In Portland, the presence of a positive male role model in the hip-hop dance camp made a noticeable difference in the boys’ behavior and self-esteem. In Cary, parents appreciated the accessibility of free dance classes, which allowed their children to explore their interests without financial burden. Cleveland's dual programs in martial arts and dance provided diverse opportunities for students to develop new skills and express their creativity.

The multi-sport camp in St. Louis introduced children to various sports, broadening their interests and reinforcing the importance of physical activity. In Chicago and Los Angeles, baseball camps provided not only athletic training but also a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

The DEAEF National Summer Camp programs continue to play a crucial role in engaging youth during the summer months, promoting positive life choices, and fostering personal growth. By providing structured, supportive environments and emphasizing the importance of a drug-free lifestyle, DEAEF is making a lasting impact on communities across the nation. As these programs evolve and expand, they will continue to offer invaluable opportunities for young people to thrive, learn, and grow.