The Youth Leadership Academy Summer Camp of Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi at Brightwood Lincoln Elementary School in Springfield has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $10,000.
News of such awards and their benefits can be made known throughout a city and county with poster printing.
Sheriff Cocchi said that he started the camp to offer a valuable summer experience for young people who could otherwise not afford a quality experience or have a parent who is incarcerated. He added that the camp has cultural experience, field trips, and mentors that can make a summer great for kids. He said that the grant will enable them to continue to foster qualities of leadership, provide a transformative experience for the campers, and encourage positive social interactions.
Approximately 200 children between the ages of 7 and 12 are served by the Youth Leadership summer day camp. The children come from neighborhoods in Springfield and Hampden County that are economically challenged. The camp was started in 2019 and offers children a nurturing and safe experience where they can grow, learn, and develop leadership skills lead by positive role models.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno expressed his pride in being able to continue to support the sheriff and his team with this camp, which provides a service that is very much needed for the youth that it serves.
