Beat the Streets student-athletes gain new life lessons at summer camp

More than 20 student-athletes participated in a weeklong camp in Pennsylvania.

Beat the Streets student-athletes learned new wrestling techniques and shared new experiences during a weeklong summer camp in Benton, Pennsylvania.

More than 20 BTS student-athletes learned wrestling skills from two-time NCAA All-American Rocky Bonomo of Bloomsburg University and other NCAA All-American wrestlers. In addition to picking up skills on the wrestling mat, BTS student-athletes built campfires, participated in life lesson workshops and hiked on trails. For many BTS student-athletes it was the first time they traveled outside of New York City and experienced camping and outdoor recreational activities.

BTS Academy student-athletes speak on their camp experience

Ava: "This camp was a very beneficial experience, not only as a wrestler but as a person. It helped me learn new technique, as well as life lessons that I will continue to carry with me. Our community became much closer, and we have had many heartfelt moments that we’ll always remember."

Bilali: "Attending the camp was a transformative experience, teaching me valuable skills like chopping wood, building bonfires, and self-motivation. Two key takeaways from the clinicians were 'train like a madman' and 'never miss a day.' While these may seem like simple phrases to some, to me, they serve as powerful sources of encouragement and motivation to push my limits and strive for excellence."

Joy: "I am thankful for being able to have this camp experience. I had a lot of fun trying things for the first time, learning technique and getting closer to wrestlers and coaches at Beat the Streets. I think everybody gained something."

Since being founded in 2005, Beat the Streets has pioneered a movement that now includes 150 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league. BTS works to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and strengthen the New York City wrestling culture.

We aim to make a lifelong impact on student-athletes through the lessons learned on the wrestling mat -- discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility and a strong work ethic. Discover how you can make a meaningful contribution to our work at btsny.org/donate.