How the Camden Health & Athletic Association is shaping the future for Camden’s youth
Nearly a decade ago, as Camden worked to address ongoing challenges in public safety and education, a new vision began to emerge – one focused on strengthening the city by investing in its residents, especially its youth.
What emerged from that vision was the Camden Health & Athletic Association (CHAA), a citywide initiative that has since redefined youth development in Camden through sports, mentorship and health access.
“Sports are one of the most effective forms of prevention we can invest in,” says Camden City Mayor Vic Carstarphen. “When kids have structure, when they’re committed to teams and engaged in sports, it’s transformative. It’s been that way in the city for as long as I can remember.”
Camden Health & Athletic Association was officially established in 2016 as a private nonprofit organization committed to enhancing youth sports programs and health initiatives in the City of Camden. CHAA’s mission is to provide Camden youth ages 4 to 17 with citywide opportunities in a wide range of athletic activities. Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,000 Camden kids take part in organized athletics like baseball, football, basketball, soccer, golf, track and field, and wrestling.
