A Decade of Mentoring
In 2016, the I Am King Mentoring Camp in Georgia was created to empower young men through mentorship, leadership development, accountability, and character-building. 10 years later, the mission has stayed the same. This year’s five-day summer camp is celebrating with the theme of “Going the Distance.”
The camp is for young men aged 5-18, who have the opportunity to lean on one another while being equipped with the tools needed to succeed in school, at home, and in their communities.
Leader Pastor Murray Duffey Sr. said over the years he’s seen young boys come in shy and leave with a confidence boost. He also mentioned that some young men have been part of the program since its inception.
“We’ve seen how they’ve become more social,” said Pastor Duffey Sr.
Throughout the five-day stretch, the boys exercise, work out, have meals, games, and journal. Today, on June 18, 2026, the day before the last day, the boys will paint canvases and participate in the King’s Games, which include a tug-of-war competition and a color war in which they all wear white and throw paint at one another.
I Am King Mentoring Camp costs $350 per child, but thanks to parents and community sponsors, kids who can’t afford it can still participate.
Ronnie Marshall Jr., a longtime mentor and partner, has been with the program for seven years. He said it’s important for adults to be there for the youth, which is why he continues to return to the camp year after year.
“We have to lead by example. We have to get ourselves right…so we can be present for these young men,” said Marshall Jr.
Each young boy will receive a certification upon completion of their participation in the program.
The Future
As Pastor Duffey Sr. looks to the future, he sees the program expanding into other states and opening it up to girls. For years, he’s been approached by community members to enroll their daughters. He said he’s waiting for the right women mentors to make that happen, but it’s coming in the near future.
For the first time, and to celebrate a decade, on October 10, 2026, I Am King Mentoring Foundation will host a formal banquet where the young boys will be dressed in tuxedos, enjoy fine dining, and be celebrated.
“You may not see it…but there are intentional organizations that are clapping away at the things that are going on in society,” said Pastor Duffey Sr.
To find ways to work with the I Am King Foundation, visit here.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
- Nyesha Stone
