Marengo County’s Chelsea Fritts, Alexius Butcher, Theodis Burton Jr., and Demarcus Barber were among 54 participants in the first ever Black Belt Legacy Summer Camp, hosted by the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) and Auburn University’s Office of the Vice President for University Outreach.

Public and private high school students spent five days on Auburn University’s campus after having submitted an essay on “What is Your Legacy?”

The Black Belt Legacy Camp took place June 16 -20, and included participants from Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Wilcox Counties.

This camp was a unique and exceptional way for students to engage in activities on the Auburn campus. Throughout the camp, students discussed the issues and assets in their communities, and they generated ideas for positive change. Students participated in a variety of activities that focused on leadership, team building, community engagement and career exploration.

Additionally, students were welcomed to Auburn University by Dr. Jay Gogue and Dr. Royrickers Cook, Assistant Vice-President for University Outreach. Participants experienced presentations on the history and significance of the Black Belt and the Black Belt Community Foundation from George McMillan, Black Belt Community Foundation Board Member; toured the Forest Ecology Preserve, the Campus and the Stadium, and the Jule Collins Museum; learned financial secrets for teens; successfully participated in the Ropes Course; and shared ideas and concerns with BBCF staff about current community development and enrichment initiatives.

The 2013 Summer Camp enabled students to create a network of young leaders committed to giving back to the Black Belt.

“We are pleased to have students from Alabama’s Black Belt Region participate in this inaugural camp hosted by the Black Belt Community Foundation and Auburn University,” Cook said.

At week’s end, parents and community members participated in a Moving the Legacy Forward Celebratory Reception honoring the students and their work. During the reception, students made individual presentations about the camp experience.

“The success of the first Black Belt Legacy Camp has BBCF’s staff and partners excited about what the future holds,” Felecia L. Jones, BBCF President, said. “What an amazing opportunity for the students and the entire Black Belt region.”

To learn more about the Black Belt Legacy Camp or the Black Belt Community Foundation, contact Erica Crenshaw at (334) 874-1126 or ecrenshaw@blackbeltfound.org.