Derrick Brooks Teams up with DCF and Hillsborough Kids to Create Inspirational Camp for Kids in Foster Care
Special Guest Governor Rick Scott to Attend Workshop with Kids in Foster Care
WHEN: Thursday, August 18, 9 a.m-4pm and Friday, August 19, 9 a.m-4pm
WHAT: The kick-off of a two-day, character-building and inspirational camp for children in the foster care system. The Department of Children and Families -- along with Derrick Brooks Charities and Hillsborough Kids, the not-for-profit lead agency overseeing child welfare in Hillsborough County -- have come together to host the “Derrick Brooks Camps for Champions.” The camp will include sports, personal interactions, team-building skills and leadership opportunities. Nationally recognized sports figure such as Derrick Brooks veteran player from the Buccaneers and James Jones from the Miami Heat and are scheduled to speak. Community partners and both DCF and Hillsborough Kids staff will serve as volunteers to guide these youth through recreational activities and workshops. The workshops topics will range from dealing with peer pressure and bullying to the importance of education and persevering beyond your circumstances or challenges to achieve success in your life. Gov. Rick Scott is planning to attend and participate in the education workshop series from 1-2 p.m. Tampa Bay 10 Anchor, Ginger Gadsden will be the master of ceremonies. Derrick Brooks will speak at 9:00am and James Jones will speak between 12:15pm and 12:45pm.
WHO: 6th-8th grade youth cared for in the foster care system
WHERE: Copeland Park
1101 N. 15th St
Tampa, FL 33612
AVAILABLE INTERVIEWS:
Derrick Brooks Seasoned Veteran of the National Football League (only available from 9:00am-10:00am)
Jeff Rainey CEO of Hillsborough Kids and Camp Co-Chair
Selected Campers Jeanine Bedell will provide upon request. Only these youth can be interviewed or have faces shown on camera. All others are only to be filmed from the back.
The Department of Children and Families’ Camps for Champions provides an opportunity for hundreds of youth from Florida's foster care system to participate in a summer camp experience that might otherwise not have been possible. The wellness and leadership activities are created and led by nationally recognized role models, community partners and DCF staff who will help these young adults build self-esteem and confidence to succeed in life.
The mission of Hillsborough Kids is to ensure the safety and permanency of abused and neglected children in Hillsborough County by providing comprehensive services that promote strong families.
The mission of Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., is to provide educational opportunities for socio-economically challenged youth that will instill, inspire, broaden, and develop cultural and social vision outside of the walls in which they live to ensure that these young people have every chance to develop into the strong and productive leaders of tomorrow.