The creation of Chris Martin, the two-week camp focuses on life skills, academics and fun.

“Words can’t express how I feel,” he said today. “God gave me this vision and sustained this vision. I want to give these kids a chance to be successful.”

Registration ends Sunday at 5 p.m. There is a $30 registration fee which covers the expenses for the camp, including the field trips which are planned. To register contact Martin at 252-678-3803. The camp is for children aged 6 to 18.

Martin keeps up with the children who have attended past camps. “I volunteer in classrooms and try to keep track.”

Nearly 100 percent of the children who have participated in Lift Camp are passing academically, he said. Some students come by and talk to him. Parents call as well.

“Sometimes kids don’t build relationships at home,” he said. “They’re looking for leadership and love outside. They want to be part of something. If we can offer them something positive, they can get love and respect.”

One of the focuses this year will be due process, which will be taught through the district attorney’s office.

Campers will also learn how to interact with law enforcement, which will be taught by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Himself a law enforcement officer, Martin said, “Young people need to know how to interact. You need to comply. We want to show them the right way.”

One of the aims of the camp, he said, is to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.

Another aim of the camp is financial literacy, Martin said, teaching the children “how to budget and how to build credit.”

They will see how the judicial system works through a mock trial, learn the importance of voting and meet with legislative delegates in Raleigh to learn how legislation is enacted.

There will be field trips and a partnership with the Lincoln Heights Community Center and ABC2 World Changers.

The camps will be held at Weldon Elementary School Global Academy and the culmination is the last day party at River Falls Park on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a back to school bash on August 19 at T.J. Davis.

Stacy Shaw, who was registering her child for the camp, said, “I feel it’s a good way to give him a positive role model and peer interaction.”

For Martin, the aim is simple. “It keeps the kids safe when their parents are working and it’s offering them a positive atmosphere.”