ATLANTA, Georgia - The U.S. Army recently joined forces with the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to foster personal growth and empowerment among young men at the foundation’s annual camp which took place June 14-18, 2023.
The four-day camp, hosted at the foundation’s ranch in Georgia, brought together over 200 young men from diverse backgrounds to learn about community empowerment, leadership, and opportunities.
The Army has partnered with these camps since 2011, to provide an opportunity for soldiers from Army Recruiting Command, Cadet Command, the Army Reserve, and the Army’s Equity and Inclusion Agency to engage with participants in a variety of activities aimed at developing leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience.
Mr. Steve Harvey, the camp’s founder, discussed his vision for the camp and the type of activities that would take place during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“You’re going to learn some things and when you leave here, if you listen, you’ll be a truly different person,” Harvey said during the interview.
The U.S. Army played a vital role in the camp, providing personnel to facilitate a wide array of workshops and intimate mentoring sessions while enabling campers to interact with Soldiers being their authentic selves. Army personnel provided participants information about Army opportunities to discover their passions, pursue their purpose and build a lifelong community.
Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Thompson, Recruiter, Nashville Recruiting Battalion, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, not only showed campers the importance of the Army values and the opportunities to serve, but also showed through some impromptu dance sessions that the Army doesn’t stifle creativity and authenticity.
“Always remember, no matter what, you can’t skip hard work if you want to be successful,” Thompson told attendees.
Lt. Col. Simon Flake, Chief of National Outreach, Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, has been involved with the foundation since 2013 when he served as a Soldier mentor during that year’s camp in Texas. Flake credits the mentors he had early in his life for his commitment to giving back and hopefully inspiring others.
Raised in a single parent home, Flake understood the backgrounds and challenges many campers had coming to camp.
“I am inclined to serve as a mentor because of the mentors that impacted my life in the most positive ways,” Flake said. “They saved my life and have a huge part in building me up to be the man that I have become. The thought that I could do that for another young man inspires me to serve as a mentor.”
With the Army participating, it wasn’t all workshops, as drill sergeants greeted campers, conducted physical fitness drills, and learned to march to cadences properly.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation in inspiring and empowering these amazing young people," said Dr. Lyle Hogue, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Equity and Inclusion. "The U.S. Army believes in investing in the potential of our youth and providing them with tools to succeed in all aspects of life."
The impact of this collaboration has extended beyond the camp itself as Army organizations were able to discuss civilian hiring opportunities with camp leaders, facilitators, and parents. These interactions highlighted the diverse opportunities available as a soldier or civilian.
Harvey, who also hosts a syndicated morning radio show that reaches more than nine million listeners each morning, discussed the importance of the Army’s involvement on his talk show.
Harvey expressed surprise that the Army offers so many opportunities to civilians as well as those interested in becoming a soldier.
The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation provides support and mentorship to young men and women from underserved communities. Through their camps and other initiatives, the foundation aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and guidance to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
The U.S. Army's participation at the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation camp reflects its ongoing commitment to community engagement.
To learn more about engagement opportunities with the U.S. Army, please contact usarmy.belvoir.hqda-asa-mra.mbx.ei-outreach@army.mil
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