Gilbert Brown hosted his annual camp for area youth this week. Above Brown leads youngsters in some exercise drills on the first day of camp which began on Tuesday, July 8. (Photo by Cy White)
The Gilbert Brown Foundation and the AT&T Wisconsin Pioneers teamed up once again to hold a free football camp for Milwaukee youth at North Division High School from Tuesday, July 9 to Thursday, July 11. This is the eighth year that Gilbert Brown is offering 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 give them life building skills as well,” said Gilbert Brown. “The camp is one of the highlights of my year, and I’m excited to offer it again in 2013.”
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. for 8 to 12 year olds) and an afternoon session (2:00 – 5:30 p.m. for 13 to 17 year olds) will be offered each day.
Senator Lena Taylor stopped in to encourage the youngsters, she also took a moment with Brown’s longtime assistants Coach and Dextra Hadnot of AT &T. (Photo by Cy White)
State Senator Lena Taylor attended the July 9 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,” said 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.”
The camp is made possible in part each year through a $1,000 donation 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.
Brown takes a moment to thank two of his many AT&T volunteers who assist with the camp each summer as well. (Photo by Cy White)
“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,” said AT&T Pioneer Manager Jeannette St. Onge. “Gilbert Brown is a Wisconsin sports legend, and his All-Pro Football Camp is in it’s 8th year.”
“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: www.gilbertbrownfoundation.org