Youth Pride Foundation to Launch Community-Driven Summer Camps with DeKalb, NIU Athletes – Shaw Local

DeKALB – DeKalb resident John Walker is launching a multi-faceted Youth Pride Foundation that aims to provide everything from AAU basketball and tutoring to youth counseling and more.

One of the first elements of the foundation will take place this summer with a series of athletics camps featuring athletes from DeKalb and Northern Illinois University.

Walker is a longtime resident of DeKalb, a UPS employee and a current member of the city’s police Citizens’ Review Board, charged with deliberating cases of police misconduct. Walker, who is also a longtime AAU coach in town, contacted some of the students he has mentored over the years and asked them to help organize the camps. He has officially filed and is awaiting approval from the foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

A’Jah Davis, a DeKalb native entering her senior year at NIU, said she jumped at the chance to offer something she felt was needed in the community.

“It was something I wanted to do because it will have a positive impact on DeKalb’s kids,” Davis said. “There was nothing like it for me growing up, so I want to be that person for the kids in DeKalb, Sycamore and around. When [Walker] came up to me and said ‘frame these kids’, I totally agreed.

Davis’ basketball camp will be held June 24 at the DeKalb Parks and Rec Center. DeKalb graduates and NIU football newbies Cole Tucker and Jordan Gandy, along with free Concordia safety and DeKalb graduate Donovan Lacey, will offer a two-day football camp in June and July. Walker said the date has yet to be set.

For more information, contact Walker at [email protected]

Walker said he also wanted to provide mentorship and coaching to minority youth in the community who might not otherwise have these leaders.

“Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of role models who could play college football,” Tucker said. “We were unable to visit any of these camps. When I heard he wanted to start a camp, I thought that was great. Reach out to people in the community, show them the way, what I’ve done, how I can help them on and off the pitch. Anything we can do to give back to the community, I totally agree.

Walker said Davis mentored his daughter Jayala, who attends Clinton Rosette Middle School. It was this aspect of mentoring that guided him towards the idea of ​​youth club sport.

“My foundation aims to provide a cohesive support system for young people in my community centered around sport,” Walker said. “My foundation will also provide specific support to lucky kids who will have the chance to play at the top level in a way that our local school district cannot. We reach out to young people, offering them a safe haven, regardless of their level of talent or notoriety. »

Walker said another goal is to fill in some of the cracks that public institutions like schools or city and county programs can’t reach.

“These teachers and coaches also have a tough job to do,” Walker said. “We cannot expect our police officers, our teachers and our coaches to raise our children. It really takes a whole village, and the parents have to be willing to let others help.

Like Tucker and Davis, Lacey said he was thrilled to help Walker, whom he called an honest coach and mentor who doesn’t sugarcoat and isn’t afraid to dish out tough love.

“I know where it’s coming from…with the fact that less fortunate people don’t get a lot of opportunities to show what they’re capable of.” said Lacey. “I feel like it’s giving back because John has done so much for me in my life and I feel like the way he’s helped me or other people I know is It’s good to give the next generation the same or maybe even better opportunities.”

Walker said he had already received sponsorships and donations and was already planning to start an AAU travel team after the summer camps.

Walker’s wife, Amy, a Sycamore schoolteacher, will oversee the foundation’s tutoring program. They are also looking for advisors to join.

“As a black man, I feel like it’s my responsibility to be a mentor to minorities in my community,” Walker said. “It is my responsibility to fill the void where our school systems sometimes fail. My foundation aims to connect with young people to address real social issues, whether they be family complications, socio-economic self-esteem or simply young people who want to be part of something positive .