Camp C.A.R.V.E.R. is a 501 c-3 IRS not for profit entity that is the culmination of a project initially envisioned in the year 2000. This divinely inspired life long labor of love was closely modeled on the tenants of  hard work,  faith, agricultural production, animal poultry dairy sciences  and resourcefulness.   The principles of Camp C.A.R.V.E.R. were espoused by teachings of Dr. George Washington Carver, Dr. Booker T. Washington and Dr. Booker T. Whatley. The principal founder of the program, Tuskegee University agriculture animal poultry science graduate, who also was trained at Kansas State University, Minister John F. Drew III, desired to instill these lifelong lessons the joys of agriculture and animal science to inner city children as the next Generation of Farmers, Poultryman , Ranchers and Agri-entrepreneurs..  A recent collaboration with experienced aged US Military Veteran Farmers and ranchers have allowed us to extend our outreach to Beginning Socially Disadvantaged and Limited Resource Veteran Farmers. Camp C.A.R.V.E.R. promotes entrepreneurism, collaborative partnering, recycling, green chemistry, sustainability, alternative fuel production, mentorship and resourceful living.  We have existed in part through the years from in kind donations of equipment, supplies, livestock and feed.   

For the purpose of fulfilling the NIFA SDVBFR  NIFA AWARD 2022-49400-38605 we will be working with and subcontracting the following groups and individuals to bring services to our Hispanic counter parts and Hispanic serving groups:

Edwardsville Veteran Farmer Coalition

The Kansas City Paloma club

Rosalyn Mc Cord Bey certified Spanish Translator

Stevie Wakes Certified Spanish Translator

Dos Mundos Community News Paper

The youth mentorship component will work to ensure that area young adults have access to an aged mentor who in turn will assist in guiding their lives and making informed choices and decisions.  Highly skilled retired Veteran Farmers and craftsmen will provide exposure, training and mentorship to previously identified US Veterans interested in developing or enhancing farm enterprises. 

 The multifaceted agricultural enterprises of Camp C.A.R.V.E.R.  will generate in excesses of $100,000 per year, with a very low investment of working capital, labor and utilizing the aforementioned  land, equipment and resources.

   Camp C.A.R.V.E.R. success outcomes cannot solely be measured in the standard parameters of dollars and cents.  Our continued progress is determined by overcoming constant obstacles and barriers to success that lie in our way. Frederick Douglas prophetically said “without struggle there is no progress”. Our outcome measures are determined by the enrichment of a young person’s life when they realize that there is another way to earn a living and to learn a skill.  We are arming selected Veterans with the ability and  skills to help sustain themselves and we are creating a well educated, motivated and prepared next generation of Farmers.  Finally the impact of our efforts are far reaching and long lasting. The width of a smile, the exuberance and enthusiasm that a young child portrays at Camp C.A.R.V.E.R  is not only reflective of the seeds they are planting, but it foretells the future harvest we shall reap.