Phoenix Project Week 4: Leadership, Gratitude, and Service

The final week of the Statesville Police Department's Phoenix Project Camp challenged students to lead, serve, and grow through hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom before concluding the four-week program.

The week began with a team challenge hike at Stone Mountain State Park, where campers hiked 3.5 miles while completing 10 different challenges along the trail. The activities encouraged teamwork, perseverance, communication, and leadership as students worked together to overcome obstacles and support one another.

Back in the classroom, the focus shifted to developing strong character. Tuesday's lessons centered on leadership, while Wednesday explored the importance of gratitude and spirituality, giving campers an opportunity to reflect on the qualities that help build strong individuals and communities.

On Thursday, campers put those lessons into action during a community service project at Fifth Street Ministries' Veterans Village. Students met several of the veteran residents before planting flowers in decorative tires they had painted, picked up litter around the property, and lined the grounds with American flags ahead of Independence Day.

The service project was designed to do more than beautify the property – it gave campers the opportunity to personally thank local veterans while learning the importance of serving others. Organizers hope to continue building this partnership through future visits that will further improve the Veterans Village and strengthen relationships with its residents.

Following a morning of hard work, campers enjoyed a well-earned afternoon cooling off with a swim at the Statesville Leisure Pool.

The Statesville Police Department would like to thank the community partners who helped make this week's service project and activities possible, including Statesville Lowe's, Snider Tire, Farm & Garden Service, and the Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality department for their support of Phoenix Project Camp.

Learn more about The Phoenix Program on our website here. To learn more about the Travis Manion Foundation's Character Does Matter program, visit the Travis Manion Foundation website here.