NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News non-profit dedicated to reducing violence among youth in the community is hosting a Spring Break camp for kids and teenagers.
Ketchmore Kids has worked in the community for nearly 20 years. However, they said this is the first time it's hosted a camp for the youth.
Executives with the organization said they were surprised that preteens and teenagers asked them to create the camp.
"You're talking about preteens and teenagers who could easily be doing different things, like social media or games or whatever," said Ketchmore Kids Executive Director Chanell Ketchmore. "But they said they want to be there with Ketchmore Kids."
The organization said one of its goals is to reduce gun violence among youth. So far, in 2024, Newport News Police said one juvenile died from gun violence. However, police said in 2023, a total of four juveniles were fatally shot.
Ketchmore Kids Director of Programming, Troy Ketchmore, said he is grateful that preteens and teens view the non-profit as a safe space.
"We're trying to provide a safe space. You don't have to worry about a gun going off in here. You don't have to worry about no fights, ain't none of that going down in here," said Ketchmore.
The non-profit has worked to curb violence in Newport News for nearly 20 years. It is planning to expand its current facilities to reach more children and teens in the community.
However, in the meantime, they said their ultimate goal is to connect with the youth and get ahead of the violence.
"It really made me pause for a moment and really understand the impact of the work that we're doing, and it made my heart feel really good. Wow, we are really making a connection to the point where they[the youth] want to be here," said Ketchmore.
Executives said they would divide the ages into groups and provide hands-on activities that involve critical thinking and conflict resolution.
The Spring Break camp will run from April first to April fifth from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's open to children between the ages of eight and 18.
Register your child at ketchmorekids@gmail.com to enroll in the Ketchmore Kids Spring Break Camp.