Cal Ripken, Jr.: Send 75 Deserving Kids to Camp!

My name is Dennis Hoskins, Unit Manager of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest MS-Batesville Unit.  I have eleven years of service with our organization and have seen many struggles.  I’m so thankful to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for taking on the challenge and commitment of reaching out to youth all across the nation to assist in building a better life for all.  The experience Donald, Jordan and Tyler received in Aberdeen, Maryland, cannot be put into words.  The excitement of being selected by the staff and executive director was by far joyous.  Most of all the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation made it possible for us to be a part of the camp and [it] was a once in a lifetime pleasure.  None of the three campers had ever traveled by air and just to see the excitement in their eyes was rewarding for me.  As the week progressed, I saw Donald, Jordan and Tyler develop into young men willing to accept responsibilities and eager to learn.  They soon learned how to become a better participant/leader.  One of the challenges that I see our youth face day to day in our community is not having enough positive role models reaching out.  Boys & Girls Club of Northwest MS is that “Positive Place” for our youth and the Cal Ripken Foundation has helped us to improve our objectives by learning life lessons at camp.  I have seen positive changes in all three campers.  Jordan, Donald and Tyler have returned from camp and [are] now taking on leadership roles in the club and teaching some of the activities that they learned at camp; they have become spokespersons for the club and [show a] willingness to teach other peers some of the things they learned the Ripken way. 

Thanks again, for affording us the opportunity of attending a wonderful camp experience.

Dennis Hoskins
Unit Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest MS
Batesville Unit

Thank you for supporting this project and making it possible for kids like Jordan, Donald, and Tyler to grow, learn, and play at summer camp!