Lonny Mitchell - Camp Mitchell

AFE Foundation conducted their 2nd annual international activity based life skills & team building camp in Tijuana, Mexico for local middle school students and high school football players and coaches. High school football teams in Tijuana are poorly funded, access to equipment is limited, and athletes are given used and low-quality equipment. AFE’s goals with this camp, and with future international programs, include:

• To help struggling football programs raise funds to purchase quality equipment
• To train athletes and coaches in safe and effective drills and workouts
• To expose students to professional athletes and mentors who they would never otherwise have the opportunity to meet
• To help promote the growth of American football international

AFE Founder/President Steven Haynes was joined by athletes Floyd Fields, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Kevin Mitchell, Mindinho, Karl Wilson, Leon White, Tam Do and camp host Lonny Mitchell.

Our journey started on Friday, May 20th; the athletes with sponsors toured two of TJ’s orphanages and along with Lydia Bustos from the Vista Wal*Mart, provided NIKE footwear and clothing for the kids. On Saturday and Sunday, over 100 middle school and high school students & coaches from throughout the city waited eagerly at the field while we set up. Camp was kicked-off with a prayer led by Pastor Darren Carrington, and preceded with the students rotating through stations run by each athlete who were accompanied by a Spanish translator. CREA Sports complex hosted the 2 day camp.

On Saturday, the stations had our athletes teaching middle school students exercises to improve in their flexibility, coordination, balance, strength, proper running techniques and strengthening and conditioning exercises. Camp wrapped up with a closing prayer, gifts for the students and autographs from the athletes.

On Sunday, the stations had our athletes training coaches and high school football players’ specific football skills, proper running techniques and strengthening and conditioning exercises. Camp wrapped up with a closing prayer, gifts for the students and autographs from the athletes.

Although Tijuana is just a few miles from San Diego, traveling across international borders takes several hours. We arrived home exhausted, but with great happiness that we were able to touch so many lives and make such a positive impact on our youth.