Police Athletic League of Buffalo Celebrates Hundreds of City Youth Campers at Camp Champs Culmination

Buffalo, N.Y.– Today, the Police Athletic League of Buffalo (Buffalo PAL) concluded another impactful season of summer programming, hosting the Camp Champs Culmination and Field Day at Hennepin Community Center. The event recognized hundreds of City of Buffalo youth who participated in the organization’s free six-week summer camp programs.

The celebration brought together staff, community partners and campers from all Buffalo PAL camp sites for an afternoon of games, food, and school readiness support. Youth also received free backpacks donated by Lovejoy District Councilman Bryan J. Bollman to help kick off the school year.

 “Camp Champs is a shining example of what is possible when our community comes together to invest in our young people,” said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon, Chairman of the Police Athletic League of Buffalo. “This summer, Buffalo PAL kept hundreds of youth engaged and active, which has given them skills and experiences that will serve them well into the future. I want to thank our partners, Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools, Council President & Lovejoy District Council Member Bryan Bollman, Charter Communications, and the Buffalo Police Department, for their investment and commitment in success of our youth and the strength of our community.”

This summer, Buffalo PAL provided K–6th–grade students with a robust mix of recreational and educational activities. Youth enjoyed field trips, tennis and golf lessons, and activities centered around literacy, nutrition, and STEM exploration. Older students in grades 7–10 participated in the Youth Opportunity Connect Program (YOCP), gaining financial literacy and workforce development skills to prepare them for future careers.

 “Camp Champs allows hundreds of Buffalo youth to stay active, explore new skills, and build friendships that last well beyond the season,” said Executive Director of Buffalo PAL Nekia Kemp. “We are deeply grateful to Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon and the City of Buffalo, Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools, Councilman Bryan Bollman, and the Buffalo Police Department for standing with us to give our youth a safe, enriching, and joyful summer. Together, we’ve provided opportunities that spark curiosity, build skills, and inspire our young people to dream bigger.”

Since 2015, the Police Athletic League of Buffalo, Inc. has hosted Camp Champs at multiple locations across the city in partnership with Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools, the City of Buffalo, and Erie County. The program is open to City of Buffalo residents in grades PK–6 who attend a Buffalo Public or Charter School, providing them with safe, engaging spaces to learn and grow over the summer.

"Spectrum is proud to continue our partnership with Buffalo PAL and the Camp Champs program, empowering our community's youth with enriching experiences," said GVP of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications, Camille Joseph. "Through our support for these field trips, we aim to inspire and foster growth among young participants. Spectrum's dedication to community engagement is unwavering, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collaboration."

 Each year, Camp Champs aims to boost academic achievement while keeping children active and healthy through the summer. In low-income communities like Buffalo, students often lose up to two months of reading skills and more than two months of math skills during summer break. By offering quality enrichment that blends academics, health and wellness activities, and recreation, the program helps prevent summer learning loss, supports students’ well-being, and ensures they return to school ready to succeed.

 “Congratulations to the Police Athletic League of Buffalo for hosting another incredible summer camp season,” said Senior Director at Say Yes Buffalo, Tanya Staples. “ Your long-standing partnership has brought joy, learning, and connection to countless students. These programs are more than just fun—they’re a lifeline for families and a cornerstone of community support during the summer months.”

 This year’s Camp Champs program was made possible through the support of our partners, Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon and The City of Buffalo, Charter Communications, Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools, Lovejoy District Councilman Bryan Bollman, and the Buffalo Police Department.

 To learn more about Buffalo PAL programs, please visit the website buffalopal.com.