Statements
Mission
AAOC Camps for Youth Development's ongoing mission is to empower disadvantaged youth by equipping them with tools such as academic competencies, social skills and leadership training to create permanent, positive change in their lives. We accomplish this through a foundation of training in etiquette, civility and protocol - the three core assets that transform societal and socioeconomic differences into the common language of success.
Background
Formerly known as An Array of Charm (AAOC), AAOC Camps for Youth Development was founded in January of 2004. The program was initially designed to teach young girls the importance of etiquette, manners and positive character development. Since our inception, the mission and programming has expanded significantly. Our desire to dig deeper is grounded in our belief that every child can achieve their goals despite their current circumstances. Our unique approach involves addressing cultural, economic and educational disparities through training in etiquette, civility and protocol. We understand that these are three universal languages that once learned, empower our youth to transcend the social barriers they encounter because of their socioeconomic status. These languages simultaneously broaden the world they live in and narrow it, so that their life goals are no longer out of reach. This serves as the foundation for all of our programming, which also includes academic support, character education and leadership training.
Impact
In the past few years, we have seen a tremendous growth in the scope of our programming. Not only has our budget increased by at least 20% each year, but enrollment in our programming has increased drastically - from 25 students to 75 students (data from 2019). This growth is partly due to the establishment of partnerships between AAOC and our partner schools including Alex Green, Hull Jackson Montessori, Jones Padeia, IT Creswell Middle, Head Magnet, East End Prep and Robert Churchwell all of whom are located in North Nashville. We provide services including before and after care services, transportation, daily supper and snacks and academic assistance including homework help, tutoring, etiquette training, and physical education to students. We also partner with Nashville Rescue Mission to inform families about the services AAOC can provide them. Through new funding sources, we will be able to continue offering our services to more low-income kids than ever before, especially the children who live within walking distance to our facility.
Needs
As a year-round program, we are constantly searching for educational and recreational field trips with a goal of exposing our students to their outward surroundings. In the past, we have visited historic sites like the National Museum of African American History, The King Center and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to acquire black history education. We have also visited Creative Discovery Museum, Kings Island Amusement Park, Six Flags Amusement Park and other sites for recreational fun. For many of our campers, out-of-town trips are not feasible due to their parent/guardian's socioeconomic statuses. We pride ourselves in providing inner city youths with a comprehensive understanding of black history and knowledge. Lastly, we believe the summer is a critical time to develop positive lifelong memories and these visits would allow our campers to collectively share memorable experiences.
CEO Statement
I am so grateful that AAOC Camps for Youth Development has reached the 20-year marker. I have watched our program grow in ways unimaginable and have even been able to reconnect with former campers who once attended our programs. Since 2004, we have been fortunate to serve Nashville's inner-city communities through our comprehensive before and after school care programs, summer programs, supper services, virtual learning program, free COVID-19 testing and other forms of outreach. All of these offerings are made possible through public funding and support from our partners including Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA), Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMA) and other generous donors. Our mission remains strong and we look forward to continually equipping the next generation of youths with the tools they need for lifelong success.
Board Chair Statement
As the chairperson of AAOC, my greatest desire is to reach out and redefine those basic values that have been cast aside and that are not taught in the traditional school classroom nor in many homes to our children. I believe that social skills such as etiquette, self esteem and character building are very important parts in the building blocks to becoming a successful person. I believe strongly that etiquette builds character. A strong character builds confidence and with confidence we have the inner ability to go forth and achieve our goals. As the chairperson for AAOC, it has afforded me the personal opportunity to work with many children from all walks of life and teach them those basic human values that hopefully they may grow up to become successful individuals in their everyday lives. Through AAOC, I find it personally rewarding in knowing that I have contributed in a small but significant way in their growth and development. I believe in teaching children that what they learn and do today will always affect their future tomorrow.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
We focus our services in North Nashville, which has one of the lowest median incomes in Middle Tennessee.
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
