Phoenix Project Week 2

Hope, Perspective, and Teamwork

Week 2 of the Phoenix Project focused on the character strengths of Hope, Love, Forgiveness, Creativity, Love of Learning, Honesty, Fairness, Perspective, and Humility.

The lessons took on special meaning this week following the loss of a former Northview student who was known and loved by many. The topics created opportunities for thoughtful conversations about relationships, perspective, and the impact one person can have on others. For many of the campers, those discussions helped connect the week's character strengths to real-life experiences and reinforced the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.

The competition between Team Phoenix and Team Spartan continues to heat up. The ten campers have been divided into two teams, earning points through physical fitness challenges, leadership, teamwork, positive attitudes, attendance, and acts of service. Points can also be lost for poor attitudes, attendance issues, quitting, or being disrespectful to themselves, their peers, or their mentors. After two weeks of competition, Team Phoenix holds a narrow lead, although that could quickly change with Team Spartan's leader returning from illness.

Campers are continuing to build on the mystery fitness challenge they completed on Day 1 using the Travis Manion Foundation's BeaverFit Mobile Unit. Throughout the program, they participate in workouts designed to prepare them for a final BeaverFit challenge at the end of camp, where they will see how much they have grown both individually and as a team.

A special highlight of the week was a live virtual connection with Travis Manion Foundation mentor Chris Jacobson, who was in Philadelphia for the Foundation's 10th Annual Mass Deployment event. Campers received a virtual look at the large-scale community service project and heard a powerful message from Janice Melton, mother of Captain Jesse Melton III, a U.S. Marine killed in action in Afghanistan. Her words challenged students to live with purpose and make a positive impact on those around them.

A special thank you goes to Chan Austin and Beulah Baptist Church for generously providing lunch for campers once a week. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Another thank you goes to Northview School Counselor Jamie Williams for spending time with the students and joining them on their canoeing trip. The campers love having him involved in the program.

The Phoenix Project is also grateful for Travis Manion Foundation mentor Andrea Phipps and her dog, Terry, for spending time with the campers. Andrea even treated the group to lunch from Ray Ray's. Additional thanks go to mentors Rich Strauss, David Gaffney, and Eli Jimenez for joining the group virtually and sharing their experiences with the students.

One of the biggest highlights of Week 2 came on Friday when the campers traveled to Lake Norman State Park. Despite the summer heat, the group spent the day canoeing, swimming, grilling out, and enjoying time together outdoors.

For many campers, it was their first time in a canoe. Thanks to the guidance of North Carolina State Parks staff members Jeff Matheson, Scott Avis, Frances Cassarino, and Amy Jordan, the students quickly learned the basics and were soon navigating the lake with confidence. It was a great opportunity to work together, build trust, and have fun outside of their normal routine.

Officer Brannon even found himself in a few paddle splash battles with campers, adding to the fun of the day. Best of all, no one ended up in the lake.

After canoeing, the group cooled off with a swim, enjoyed a cookout, and wrapped up another successful week of camp.

In just two short weeks, the growth has been exciting to watch. Campers are working together, buying into the program, and building real camaraderie. In fact, several campers have already shared the same opinion: one month of Phoenix Project camp simply isn't long enough.

Learn more about Captain Jesse Melton III and his legacy of service.

North Carolina State Parks

Mass Deployment 2026 | Travis Manion Foundation