July 22, 2015

DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University welcomed a large group of local school-age youth to its athletic facilities three times over the past few weeks as part of its relationship with the Camp Power initiative.

For the last three consecutive Wednesdays, NIU student-athletes and coaches have interacted with the Camp Power kids, playing numerous different sports, organizing drills and having fun together.

The program started at NIU two weeks ago as several members of both Huskie basketball teams played hoops with the camp’s youth. Then several NIU football players enjoyed an afternoon at Huskie Stadium with Camp Power last week. And this summer’s connection between NIU and Camp Power, which is in its second year of existence, concluded on Wednesday with NIU softball and volleyball players and coaches interacting with the program’s children at Mary M. Bell Field and Victor E. Court.

Teaming up with Camp Power, which is a free, collaborative summer program offered to children and families living in DeKalb’s University Village housing development, is something that NIU President Doug Baker is very proud of.

“I’ve really been impressed by Camp Power both years we’ve had it at NIU. I wanted to come out and see the kids having a ball and our NIU student-athletes are having so much fun as well. It’s the kind of thing that is really good for everybody,” Dr. Baker said.

NIU graduate assistant for student-athlete academic services and life skills Shelby Miller, a former Huskie softball player herself, helped organize the program for the second consecutive year.

“Camps like this where student-athletes can play their actual sports and interact with the kids are so fun and enjoyable for everyone,” Miller said. “There’s so many benefits from getting involved in community service, and it has such a positive effect on both the student-athletes and the kids.”

As President Baker and Miller both highlighted, the NIU student-athletes from five different Huskie sports that volunteered for the camp all enjoyed their time playing sports with local youth.

"I enjoy it, just like the kids,” said NIU senior wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (Riviera Beach, Fla./W.T. Dwyer). “I was in the same situation at one time, I know what it’s like to be a kid. It’s definitely important to let them know they have the same opportunities you did, for them to see people who were just like them here being successful.”

And perhaps most importantly, the camp offers a chance for NIU’s student-athletes to give back to the DeKalb community that supports the university and its athletic programs throughout the year.

“The community of DeKalb gives so much to us, so it’s very important for us to give back as well,” Huskie softball player Jordyn Bowen (Libertyville, Ill./Grayslake). “It’s great to see all the kids trying to succeed and having fun while experiencing something different. This has been such a rewarding experience.”

--NIU--