How a cultural day camp on HBCU campuses is igniting young imaginations

Camp HBCYouth is reshaping summer for elementary-age children by delivering a vibrant blend of academic enrichment, leadership coaching and cultural pride rooted in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Launched by founders Brian Wright and Reagan Fresnel, the program is now hosted at institutions such as Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University. It has enrolled more than 600 campers, served over 40,000 meals and trusted summer engagement into underserved communities.

Setting the Stage: Early Access to College Culture

Camp HBCYouth offers day‑camp experiences grounded in the values of HBCUs—education, empowerment and Black excellence. Operating directly on college campuses gives campers their first taste of higher education environments. For many, it’s the first time they’ve walked through a college quad. The founders intentionally located the camp on these historic grounds so children can begin to envision themselves as college students.

This young cohort avoids the summer slide through themed weekly learning modules spanning STEM, literacy, wellness, arts and leadership. Activities vary from science experiments to creative arts and even tennis instruction—making learning feel like exploration.

Camperships and Access: Breaking Financial Barriers

Camp tuition stands about 60% lower than comparable programs in the region. But beyond affordability, Camp HBCYouth offers “camperships” – scholarship support funded through partners like Amazon Access and a Walmart grant of $20,000. These efforts have resulted in more than $100,000 in financial support for families in need of full or partial tuition assistance.

The camp targets communities where only an estimated 5% of Black children typically attend summer camp. Through reduced fees and widespread support, the program has significantly increased participation among underserved youth.

A Holistic Learning Framework with Cultural Roots

The daily structure merges academics with emotional and social growth. Campers engage in structured play, coding sessions and murals with local artists—all designed to build creativity and confidence. Through networking with HBCU student and alumni counselors, campers not only learn academic lessons but also gain mentorship and real-world modeling.

The camp’s curriculum includes explorations of Black history, African diaspora heritage, wellness and leadership development. Offering more than day‑long sessions in labs or art studios, Camp HBCYouth centers on identity affirmation and collective pride.

Growth and Mission: From Local Roots to National Vision

Founded in 2022 by Fresnel and Wright—Spelman and Morehouse alumni—the initiative began as a way to expose younger students to HBCU culture early. Their five‑year ambition: to launch Camp HBCYouth on every HBCU campus and expand programming for middle and high school students to build a seamless pipeline to higher education.

Beyond immediate student impact, the camp offers leadership opportunities for its staff—especially HBCU college students—who receive training in mentorship, resume building and career readiness while serving as counselors.

Why This Matters: Empowerment Through Exposure

By situating young campers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Camp HBCYouth is more than a summer enrichment—it’s a strategic intervention. Familiarity with campus life promotes college readiness and nurtures self-belief in children who might never otherwise access these spaces.

Parents, educators and communities have embraced the program not only for its academic support, but for its cultural resonance. For many participants, this summer experience is the first time they see themselves reflected in academic prestige. In a landscape where only a small fraction of Black children attend meaningful camps, this initiative offers more than summer fun—it offers possibility