Where Summer Meets Legacy: Camp HBCYouth Inspires the Next Generation

Each summer, while many children look forward to carefree days filled with ice cream and playground games, a growing number of elementary-aged students are stepping onto the storied campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), thanks to Camp HBCYouth.

Founded in 2022 by the HBCYouth Foundation, Inc., Camp HBCYouth is more than a typical summer camp — it’s a transformative experience rooted in the rich history and academic excellence of HBCUs (The Root). The program offers young learners an immersive environment that combines academic enrichment, wellness, the arts, and leadership development, all designed to plant seeds of possibility early in life.

“We believe that early exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities can transform the trajectory of a child’s future,” the organization states. And it doesn’t just talk the talk — it walks the walk. Camps are held directly on HBCU campuses, bridging generations and fostering familiarity and pride in academic spaces from a young age. For many campers, this is the first time they’ve walked on a college campus; for others, it’s the first time they’ve envisioned themselves belonging there.

“This moment means a lot. For the first time, @camphbcyouth is hosting our first all-girls experience, and there’s no better place than Spelman College to do it,” the organization shared of their summer program. “From day one, these girls are stepping into sisterhood and soaking up the legacy around them. It’s more than summer fun — it’s an early start on the HBCU journey.”

Camp HBCYouth travels from Spelman College to Clark Atlanta University, and beyond, intentionally curating activities to prevent the “summer slide,” a common decline in academic retention during breaks. Campers engage in STEM, literacy, arts, and cultural programming that is both fun and culturally affirming.

The camp experience extends beyond academics. Social-emotional learning, leadership development, and mentorship are embedded into every aspect of the program. HBCU students and alumni serve as counselors, providing campers with relatable role models and a tangible vision of what they can achieve (BET).

“Our programming is grounded in cultural pride, mentorship, and community engagement — offering families not just a camp, but a trusted support system,” the foundation emphasizes.

In just a few years, Camp HBCYouth has become a cornerstone for families seeking meaningful summer enrichment. The initiative also invests in the community by providing leadership training, college and career readiness workshops, and mentorship for its staff. Counselors gain valuable experience in resume building, career exploration, and professional development while guiding the next generation.

At its heart, Camp HBCYouth exists to cultivate pride, possibility, and vision. It demonstrates that when Black children see themselves reflected in excellence — in classrooms, on walls, and in mentors — they rise to meet it.

As the program continues to expand, it remains a beacon of empowerment, showing that early exposure, mentorship, and cultural affirmation can spark lifelong achievement.

Camp HBCYouth proves that summer isn’t just a break — it’s a launching pad.