OUR YOUTH ACADEMY BUILDS CHARACTER

CAMP LOVE SERVES YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 5-20.

We provide a supportive environment for youth to grow through the values of boxing, while also learning coping skills and strategies for managing emotions and promoting positive self-image.

Boxing is a great way for kids to burn off stress and extra energy.

We teach kids the right way to box while having fun in a safe environment. Boxing is the perfect way for kids to learn discipline and build confidence. Conditioning is a big part of our program, and we make sure it is fun for everyone. All classes include a variety of bag work, shadow boxing, and footwork. Students go through a variety of core, cardio, and strength exercises. Each class is designed to teach professional boxing and self-defense skills.

Our REAL Values state what we believe and what we teach.

RESPECT. We treat others with dignity regardless of their background or beliefs.

EMPATHY. We practice curiosity and seek to understand how others might be feeling.

ACCOUNTABILITY. We own our actions and decisions along with the consequences.

LOVE. We are compassionate and kind to ourselves and to others.

We actively incorporate our REAL Values into our boxing and fitness training, youth boxing programs and summer camps. We reinforce our values in daily activities, discussions, and leadership recognition to help youth develop strong moral compasses and make ethical decisions in their lives; essentially, "modeling" good character through actions and expectations, while providing opportunities for reflection and practice in real-life situations. We use a multifaceted approach to reinforce our values:

We discuss the meaning of each REAL Value, providing examples of how to demonstrate them in different situations.
We design program activities that encourage active participation to practice REAL Values during group settings.
The staff consistently demonstrates our REAL Values through their own behaviors and interactions with youth.
We recognize and praise positive behaviors that align with our REAL Values.
We create opportunities for participants to reflect on their own actions and choices in relation to our REAL Values.

WHY IT MATTERS

Youth are facing new challenges. From access to sports to the growing mental health crisis, we understand the benefits of having children immersed in the science of boxing to further their physical and mental development.

Youth Sport Access

Low-income youth are less likely to participate in sports than their more affluent peers. On average, families across the United States are paying $883 annually in one child’s primary sport (Project Play). Camp Love supports access to boxing and fitness among underserved youth.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis

Poor mental and behavioral health among adolescents remains a substantial public health concern. Over the last decade, there has been a X% increase in anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm among youth in the U.S. In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among U.S. high school youth aged 14–18 years with 1,952 suicide-related deaths resulting in a rate of 9.0 per 100,000 youths (CDC) Camp Love aims to equip youth with key social-emotional skills necessary to navigate challenging life circumstances.

Exposure to Violence

Crime in Cleveland, Ohio is on the rise. Data from 2023 shows increased incidents of crime and domestic violence. The urban youth we serve are more likely to suffer from exposure to violence and the associated mental health concerns than their non-urban related peers. Research shows that unaddressed trauma and toxic stress from violence serves as the root, biological cause of intergenerational adverse health, educational, economic, and behavioral problems, including violence, that overwhelmingly impacts big city urban poor, especially communities of color and youth ages 15 to 24 (clevelandohio.gov). Programs such as Camp Love provide alternative activities to keep youth safe and teach the necessary life skills to perform well under pressure.

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Camp Love aims to be a solution. We are making a profound impact in the lives of children, providing them with the safe-haven Montana Love wished he had growing up near the block of East 84th Street and Quincy Avenue in Cleveland. We have proven results, demonstrated through improved social and life skills, improved motivation for goals and results, and increased sports confidence and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Love’s personal story of resilience and determination fuels his commitment to ensuring a better tomorrow for Cleveland’s youth.