Developing Black Stars in the Gold Coast — Camp NexGen™ Goes to Ghana
Bringing Camp NexGen™ to life each year is a whirlwind of anticipation, excitement, and intense planning, and this year’s camp in Accra, Ghana, was no exception. Welcoming 150 campers aged 12–15, we set out to deliver an unforgettable SPORT x STEAM experience, and the journey proved both challenging and rewarding. Now back and nearly past the jetlag, I’m thrilled to reflect on a camp that not only met our expectations but exceeded them, thanks to an inspiring group of campers, volunteers, partners, and new additions to our programming.
Returning to West Africa with the support of old and new partners, LGRRG had the privilege of engaging with a new cohort of campers eager to step out of their comfort zones. This year marked the debut of our updated “STEAM Fair,” which introduced campers to the world of electric circuits, computer coding in Scratch, and hands-on construction, in addition to our usual drone building and flying. The fair allowed students to explore practical applications of STEAM concepts, sparking new interests and inspiring confidence in skills they may not have tried before.
The response was tremendous. We welcomed students from the Greater Accra area, including schools like Jack and Jill School and Next Page International, with girls making up over 60% of our campers and 50% of our dedicated staff. It’s this balanced representation in both participation and mentorship that makes our camp experience transformative. It was particularly heartening to see several girls, initially hesitant to play soccer (football), jump into the game after watching female coaches and volunteers lead by example. With expert coaching in football and basketball, the campers saw firsthand that sport and academics don’t have to be mutually exclusive — they can thrive in both fields, developing resilience and teamwork that will serve them in all walks of life.
Through the friendships, challenges, and discoveries that shaped Camp NexGen™, our message remained clear: that young people shouldn’t feel pressured to choose between athletic and academic pursuits — they can excel at both.
Watching our campers embrace this idea was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. The journey was as impactful for us as it was for them, and I am already looking forward to the possibilities for Camp NexGen™ 2025.
