Summer camp started in response to city gun violence teaches campers history and importance of service

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On Sunday in Rochester, one summer camp held a special celebration for their campers ahead of the new school year. The Miquel A Powell Youth Summer Camp held an end-of-summer graduation at Genesee Valley Park. 

The camp was started last summer in response to gun violence in the city. Over the course of the summer, campers studied topics like conflict resolution, nutrition, and black history. They even took a field trip to Seabreeze.

All the campers were also given book bags filled with school supplies all in preparation for the new school year.

“We just wanted to give the kids something to do and teach them life skills. Hopefully they had fun, but they learned about their history, especially the black history in Rochester, and they learned the importance of service. So we’re hoping that they can take that into this upcoming school year,” Miquel Powell, executive director of The Reentry & Community Development Center said.