#USA #Frederick #Boys & Girls Clubs #Frederick Keys #Cal Ripken Foundation

Empowering Youth Through Sports: 3rd Annual Badges for Baseball Camp

In a remarkable showcase of community spirit and youth empowerment, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF), in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County, proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Badges for Baseball Camp at Nymeo Field, home to the Frederick Keys. This full-day event welcomed over 80 enthusiastic young participants from the local Boys & Girls Clubs, creating a vibrant atmosphere focused on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth through sports.

The initiative aims to foster a sense of camaraderie among young people while partnering law enforcement with local youth. This year marks a significant milestone as it was the first partnership between CRSF and the Boys & Girls Clubs, adding new dimensions to the Badges for Baseball program. Steve Salem, President and CEO of the CRSF, stated, _"Our foundation is committed to equipping local youth with the leadership and team-building skills they need to thrive and build strong, positive connections within their communities."_

Event Highlights

The camp featured a variety of baseball and softball stations alongside engaging games, showcasing the skills of both the youth and volunteer mentors from local law enforcement agencies. This unique collaboration underscores the importance of building trust and positive relationships between officers and the youth they serve. As local law enforcement officers interacted with the participants, they fostered a supportive environment aimed at breaking down barriers and building friendships.

Timika Thrasher, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County, expressed gratitude towards the Ripken Foundation and its partners, stating, _"We are so thankful for the support of the Ripken Foundation and the Frederick Keys for making this exciting day possible for our members. It's all for the kids! We give them access to experiences they might not otherwise have."_

Chris Moore, Director of Revenue for the Frederick Keys, also shared his enthusiasm about the event: _"We are beyond excited to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County to host their Badges for Baseball event. This initiative brings together youth and local law enforcement through teamwork, mentorship, and the love of the game."_

A Focus on Life Skills

Badges for Baseball is more than just a sports program; it is a comprehensive mentoring initiative designed to instill essential life lessons in at-risk youth aged 9 to 14. By employing sports-themed activities, the program engages law enforcement officers and community mentors to reach out and connect with underserved children on a common ground. The ultimate goal is to help these young individuals develop critical soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and respect—all while forming healthy and positive relationships with their mentors.

The program runs throughout the year, allowing mentors to work regularly with youth, particularly during those critical afterschool hours when they need support the most. This ongoing engagement is vital for bringing about transformational change in communities facing challenges.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County is deeply rooted in the aspiration to help every young person realize their full potential—becoming productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Through partnerships with organizations like the CRSF, these goals are not just dreams but realities, providing access to experiences and educational opportunities that empower youth.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the summer camp activities, the collaboration between CRSF and Boys & Girls Clubs continues to evolve. The Ripken STEM Centers, established in partnership with Edgewater Federal Solutions in 2022, aim to bridge gaps in STEM education while also reinforcing key lessons about teamwork and respect.

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County are not just champions of recreational activities; they are committed to creating a foundation of support, mentorship, and education for the youth of Frederick County. With a combined reach impacting over 1.4 million children from underserved communities in 2024, the seeds of change are being sown, and the future looks bright for these young individuals.

To learn more about the initiatives and future events from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, visit www.ripkenfoundation.org. For information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County and their programs, check out www.bgcfrederick.org.