Team Focus Kicks Into High Gear

Summer is here and while school is ending for most kids, others are taking opportunity to better themselves, thanks in large part to Team Focus, a summer camp program sponsored by GMAC Financial Services. Team Focus is a comprehensive community and outreach program founded by ESPN college football analyst, Mike Gottfried. Team Focus wants to identify young men with leadership qualities and help develop leaders. For the past two summers, Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 25 GMAC Financial Services Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has had the opportunity to visit several of the camp locations, speaking to the young men about everything from respect to racing. “I’m fortunate to have the opportunity each summer to attend many of the camps and speak to the boys,” Vickers said. “It’s amazing to see what Mike (Gottfried), GMAC and the staff have been able to accomplish with those who attend the camps. They’re really making a difference.” Team Focus provides young men between the ages of 9 and 16, who do not have a father figure to turn to, with the necessary skills and knowledge to help build character and prepare them with positive experiences that will benefit them in their lives ahead. Throughout the weeklong sessions, attendees are taught educational and social skills, while receiving instruction on etiquette and manners. It’s not all work though, as field trips and sports help to make up the rest of each week’s itinerary. The success of Team Focus has allowed the program to expand, creating three additional camps this summer. New locations hosting Team Focus in 2004 include Dallas, Detroit and Washington, D.C. This years schedule is listed below: Team Focus- 2004 Mobile, Ala., June 12-16 Washington, D.C., June 20-24 Knoxville, Tenn., June 27-01 Detroit, Mich., June 28-02 Ashland, Ohio, July 11-15 Dallas, Texas, July 14-18 Mobile, Ala., July 24-28