On a summer morning at Clark Atlanta University, the class buzzed with excitement as 170 elementary school students gathered for something new: Camp HBCYouth’s first-ever Wellness Day.
Made possible through a $10,000 grant from Walmart, the event transformed wellness education into an engaging, hands-on experience. Campers learned how to prepare healthy meals, explored the importance of nutrition, and received practical guidance on vitamins and supplements — all while spending the summer immersed in the culture, excellence, and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The goal was simple but powerful: help young people build healthier habits while expanding their vision for what is possible in their futures.
Building a Pipeline to Possibility
Founded in 2022 by Reagan Fresnel, Camp HBCYouth was created to address a critical challenge facing many children during the summer months: limited access to enriching educational opportunities.
What began as a single camp experience at Morgan State University has grown into a multi-campus program serving children at institutions including Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Tennessee State University.
For Fresnel, the inspiration came directly from her own college experience.
“I’m a proud Spelman College graduate, Class of 2018. My experience working in youth development and social impact inspired me to create this program,” she said. “We wanted to make sure children have early exposure to HBCUs and are on these campuses early. We’re all about creating that pipeline and hopefully seeing them attend an HBCU one day.”
The program now serves more than 420 children each summer, with approximately 70 percent receiving scholarships to attend, helping ensure access regardless of family income.
Campers learn healthy habits through cooking, nutrition, and pharmacy education
This year’s Wellness Day marked a new chapter for Camp HBCYouth.
Through Walmart’s support, campers participated in a healthy cooking demonstration led by Chef Way and Walmart volunteers. Students learned how to prepare simple, nutritious breakfast meals using affordable ingredients that families can easily find in local stores.
At the same time, a Walmart pharmacist introduced students to the basics of wellness, discussing vitamins, supplements, and natural remedies that can support healthy lifestyles when used appropriately.
The lessons were designed to be practical, memorable, and immediately applicable at home.
“Today we’re here with Walmart,” Fresnel explained. “Walmart decided to sponsor food and nutrition programming so children can learn healthy skills in order to live a healthier life. They’ll be learning how to prepare their own healthy, quick meals to go, especially for breakfast.”
Each camper also received a Walmart-sponsored wellness gift bag, allowing families to continue conversations about nutrition and wellness long after the event concluded.
A Partnership Focused on Long-Term Impact
For Walmart, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening communities through accessible health education.
According to Daidrian Rayford, the senior manager for community relations at Walmart, the company’s goal extends beyond a single day of programming.
“We have the privilege of partnering with HBC Youth to host a healthy eating demonstration for the children, in addition to having one of our local pharmacists come in and speak about the benefits of eating healthy while also supplementing that through over-the-counter vitamins and supplements available at their local Walmart,” Rayford said.
Perhaps most importantly, organizers hope the lessons stay with campers long after summer ends.
“The hope is that beyond this event, the children will retain this information,” Rayford said. “They will get the resources and knowledge they need to understand what to do at home with their parents and as they transition into adulthood.”
He also noted the importance of teaching healthy living through the lens of affordability.
“Families need to understand that healthy options can be accessible and affordable. We want them to know their local Walmart is here in the community to support those needs.”
Summer enrichment remains critical for underserved youth
Camp HBCYouth was created with a larger mission in mind: addressing educational inequities that often widen during the summer months.
The organization points to research showing that only a small percentage of Black children attend summer camps each year, limiting access to academic enrichment, mentorship, and social development opportunities.
By placing children on HBCU campuses and surrounding them with college students, alumni, and professionals, the program creates an environment where higher education feels familiar and attainable.