Across the country, the DEA Educational Foundation’s (DEAEF) summer national programs continue to energize youth through dance, martial arts, baseball, and community engagement, all while reinforcing the message of healthy choices and drug prevention. In 2025, a vibrant array of camps offered students not just fun and fitness, but also connection, confidence, and a powerful sense of belonging.

Capoeira in the Park—New York City, NY

Managed by Regional Director Christina Pastras, Capoeira NYC in the Park offered an open invitation to movement and mindfulness in Flushing Meadows, the iconic home of the U.S. Open. Held weekly throughout June, July, and August, this dynamic outdoor program welcomed up to 60 participants at a time, including children, teens, adults, and entire families. Under the guidance of Professora Trindade and fellow instructors, participants experienced the rich cultural traditions of Capoeira: an Afro-Brazilian martial art blending music, dance, and acrobatics. Participants received t-shirts and red ribbons as meaningful reminders of the DEA’s Red Ribbon Pledge. The community feel, accessible format, and deep cultural roots made this program a joyful and inclusive summer staple. As participant Cherie Leoa shared, “Aside from the movement, I love the music, culture and history lessons that are always a part of Trindade's instruction.”

Dance Camps—Manchester, NH & Portland, ME

In the Northeast, Regional Director Christine Dhimos coordinated two impactful dance programs. At Granite State Dance Center in Manchester, NH, and at Portland Youth Dance/Casco Bay Movers in Portland, ME, students ages 8–18 immersed themselves in dance education, teamwork, and drug prevention conversations. Students at both camps received t-shirts, adding to the sense of connection and celebration. Taught by inspiring instructors Dyamond Peebles and Elizabeth Lau, these programs combined artistic expression with real talk. DEA Outreach Specialists and a volunteer nurse provided drug prevention education, seamlessly integrating the theme of living a healthy lifestyle.

Student feedback captured the program’s heart:

“You can be yourself.”

“We can combine dance with drug knowledge.”

“You will lose passion for everything else except drugs. Then there will be nothing left.”

These sessions became spaces where movement met mindfulness—and community met purpose.

Baseball Camps—Chicago, IL; Wilmington & Dover, DE

Regional Director Rick Zeitlin continued to build DEAEF’s legacy in youth baseball through three returning camps. In Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, and in Delaware at Southern Elementary School and the Sankofa Intercultural Center, young players learned the fundamentals of baseball through drills, scrimmages, and teamwork. Coach Rick and Coach Ron inspired kids ages 7–14 to chase their dreams on and off the field.

“We told the kids drugs are dream killers,” said Coach Rick. “You can’t follow your dream if you’re sidetracked by drugs or pills.”

Campers received t-shirts, hats, gloves, and baseballs, reinforcing a sense of pride and team spirit. These long-standing camps have become cornerstones of the DEAEF Youth Baseball Program, celebrated by families and instructors alike. Said Coach Ron, “The kids at Sankofa and Southern Elementary summer camp were enthusiastic and worked really hard to understand the game of baseball.”

Youth Martial Arts & Dance—North Ridgeville, OH

In North Ridgeville, Ohio, DEAEF’s summer lineup includes two exciting programs coordinated  by Regional Director Jodi Obeid. First up is the Youth Martial Arts Camp, taking place July 22–24, 2025, and hosted at S.M. Smith’s Martial Arts School. Open to students ages 7–12, this free Taekwondo-based program promises high-energy training in a positive and supportive environment. Participants will build discipline, focus, and confidence, all while having a blast. A limited number of spots are available, making this a coveted summer experience for families in the community.

In early August, the fun continues with Free Dance Choreo-Lab: Wicked & Wizards, a creative collaboration between Ballet Legato and the DEAEF Youth Dance Program. From August 4–7, kids ages 8–13 will explore movement, imagination, and storytelling in a camp designed to spark artistic expression. With a free t-shirt and a final performance, students are encouraged to think boldly, move freely, and create choreography that’s all their own. This whimsical and empowering program is fast becoming a local favorite way to close out summer with flair.

Back-to-School Jam—Las Vegas, NV

Regional Director Allison Tanaka is planning a vibrant Back-to-School Jam in Las Vegas that will send students into the school year with confidence, energy, and resources for success. More details to come, but the event is sure to reflect DEAEF’s mission of engaging youth in positive activities that reinforce the value of healthy, drug-free lives.

In Every Corner of the Country, One Unified Message

Whether in a sunlit park in New York, a dance studio in Maine, a baseball field in Chicago, or a martial arts dojo in Ohio, DEAEF’s 2025 summer programs are helping youth discover their voice, their value, and their power to make healthy, confident choices. Each camp delivers more than just skills: it delivers hope, connection, and a path forward.