An AT & T Pioneer volunteer carries some supplies for the Gilbert Brown Foundation All-Pro Football Camp. (Photo by Cy White)
The Gilbert Brown Foundation and AT&T Wisconsin Pioneers teamed up again to hold a free football camp for Milwaukee youth at North Division Community Center from Tuesday, July 10 to Thursday, July 12. This was the seventh year that Gilbert Brown offered the All-Pro Football Camp in Wisconsin.
“Through the All-Pro Football Camp, we hope to not only teach kids the skills they need to succeed on the football field, but life building skills as well,” says Gilbert Brown. “The camp is one of the highlights of my year, and I’m excited to be offering it again in 2012.”
Milwaukee youth participated in the 7th Annual Gilbert Brown All-Pro Football Camp at North Division Community Center July 10-12, 2012 with State Senator Lena Taylor and former Packer star Gilbert Brown.
Gilbert Brown’s All-Pro Football Camp is open to children between the ages of 8 and 17. A morning session (8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 8 to 12 years old) and an afternoon session (2:00 – 5:30 p.m., 13 to 17 years old) were offered each day.
State Senator Lena Taylor attended the July 10 morning session of the camp to help kick off activities for the youth.
“The youth in our community look up to Gilbert Brown as a role model,” says Senator Taylor. “Not only does this camp provide them with the opportunity to play football, but Gilbert also helps them learn how to build positive personal skills they can use off the field.”
Former pro-football player Gilbert Brown take the participants in his day camp through some training drills. (Photo by Cy White)
The camp is made possible in part each year through a $1,000 grant from the AT&T Wisconsin Pioneers to the Gilbert Brown Foundation. Pioneers also help to put on the 3-day camp each year, working as coaches, volunteering at the registration and food tents, and helping to provide security. The Pioneers are a local volunteer organization of AT&T employees and retirees dedicated to volunteering their time to various community causes.
“The AT&T Pioneers are thrilled to partner with Gilbert Brown and his foundation to bring this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to Milwaukee’s youth,” says AT&T Pioneer Manager Jeannette St. Onge. “Gilbert Brown is a Wisconsin sports legend, and his All-Pro Football Camp is just one of the countless ways he’s contributed to our community.”
The youth are also taught further training tools such as running for conditioning. This is the 7th year for the annual camp held at the North Division Community Center. (Photos by Cy White)
Over the years, Gilbert’s high level of play, warm personality, his celebratory “Gravedigger” dance following a monstrous tackle, and the instant connection he made with Packer fans have made him an icon in Wisconsin. Gilbert still finds time to reach out to his fans and supporters in many ways. Gilbert Brown’s All-Pro Football Camp is another example of his commitment to community and service.
For more information about Gilbert Brown and the Gilbert Brown Foundation, please visit his web site at: http://www.gilbertbrownfoundation.org/