Football is about more than just touchdowns, perfect spirals, and bone-crushing tackles. It’s about the person you become when the lights are off and the pads come off. At The Team Approach Foundation, we believe that the skills learned on the gridiron, discipline, resilience, and teamwork, are the very same tools our youth need to navigate the pressures of the modern world.

That’s why we’re back for 2026.

We are officially opening registration for Coach Joe’s Opioid/Substance Misuse Prevention Summer Football Camp & Clinic. From June 22 to June 26, we’re inviting young athletes ages 9 to 14 to join us in Claymont, Delaware, for a week that will sharpen their game and strengthen their resolve.

Why We Do What We Do

Let’s get real for a second. Our kids are facing pressures today that many of us didn't have to navigate at their age. From the constant noise of social media to the very real risks of substance misuse, the "average" path can sometimes lead to some pretty tough places.

We don't believe in just telling kids to "say no." We believe in giving them a "yes", a yes to a healthier lifestyle, a yes to a supportive community, and a yes to their own potential.

Our Coach-led mentorship model is the heartbeat of this program. We know that for many student-athletes, the bond with a coach runs deep. Coaches are often the adults they listen to most, lean on most, and trust when life gets challenging on or off the field. That’s why our process is led by the coach first. The coach sets the tone, builds the relationship, and then introduces and integrates our prevention specialists into the experience. This makes the prevention education feel like a natural extension of the coach’s guidance, not a separate lecture dropped into the day. As a result, our "Real Talk" sessions and "Win the Day" workshops land with more meaning, because the message is reinforced by the trusted voice already leading the huddle. When a coach talks about the importance of keeping your body a "clean machine," it resonates differently than a textbook ever could.

The Intersection of Performance and Prevention

You might wonder: How does a football camp prevent substance misuse?

It’s all about the intersection of athletic performance and holistic wellness. At our camp, prevention isn’t a side conversation; it’s integrated into everything we do. We don't just run drills; we run "Real Talk" sessions. These are guided discussions where we tackle the tough topics head-on. We talk about the science of addiction, the impact of modern risk factors, and the importance of mental health.

We connect the dots for the kids:

• Physical Health: How substance misuse directly impacts your speed, strength, and recovery.
• Mental Toughness: Developing the emotional resilience to say no to peer pressure and yes to your goals.
• Community: Building a brotherhood and sisterhood that supports one another on and off the field.

Through our Road Show and Team Builder components, we transform these serious topics into engaging, interactive activities. We use a Jeopardy-style format to make learning about wellness as competitive and fun as a 7-on-7 game.

What to Expect: A Week in the Life

We’ve designed a schedule that keeps campers active, engaged, and fueled, with substance misuse prevention woven throughout the full camp experience. We’re taking over the Claymont Community Center Football Field and Claymont Elementary School for five high-energy days.

A Typical Camp Day:

• 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM: Camp Arrival & Roll Call.
• 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM: The Daily Game Plan: Life Skills & Prevention Intro (Focusing on substance misuse prevention topics of the day and setting the strategy to "Win the Day").
• 9:50 AM: Dynamic Stretching (Getting the body ready the right way).
• 10:05 AM: Agility Fundamentals (Speed, footwork, and coordination).
• 10:25 AM: Position Skill Work (Quarterbacks, receivers, linemen: everyone gets specialized coaching).
• 11:00 AM: 7 on 7 Games (Putting those skills to the test).
• 11:50 AM: Lunch Break (Nutrition matters: lunch is provided!).
• 12:30 PM: Guest Speaker (Hear from pros, educators, and leaders who’ve been there).
• 1:15 PM: Strength and Core Performance Circuit.
• 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: The "Win the Day" Prevention & Wellness Workshop – Presented by Prevention Specialists (An interactive session that intertwines athletic competition with evidence-based substance misuse prevention education).
• 3:30 PM: Swim Workout/Free Time (Cooling down at the pool).
• 4:15 PM: Departure.

Led by the Best in the Game

When you join a Team Approach Foundation event, you aren't just getting "volunteers." You’re getting seasoned coaches and mentors who are experts in their fields.

Our staff includes:

• Coach Joe DeVane: Founder and CEO, with over 30 years of community service and coaching at Caravel Academy.
• Coach Damon Warren: Former Head Coach in the Philadelphia Public League.
• Coach Will Holton: Current Delaware Ducks coach.
• Jr. Coaches: Mentors from the Caravel Academy State Championship football team.

This mix of veteran wisdom and peer leadership creates an environment where every camper feels seen, heard, and challenged to grow.

Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Physical exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for mental health. It reduces anxiety, improves mood, and builds confidence. But we go a step further. Our camp includes Wellness & Nutrition Consultations to teach kids how to fuel their bodies for long-term success.

We also focus on the "Train the Trainer" philosophy. By empowering our coaches with trauma-informed education, they are better equipped to spot when a student-athlete might be struggling and provide the emotional support they need.

The Details You Need to Know

We want to make this camp accessible to as many families as possible. Thanks to our various partnerships through our grant and corporate sponsors with local companies, we are able to offer the camp itself for free.

• Dates: June 22 – 26, 2026
• Location: 3301 & 3401 Green Street, Claymont, DE 19703
• Ages: 9-14
• Cost: Registration is FREE. There is a small $25 fee to cover your camp T-shirt and daily lunch.
• Transportation: We provide free transportation from Bear, Newark, and New Castle. Just make sure to fill out the transportation section on your registration form!
• Deadline: You must register by June 13, 2026.

What to Bring:

To make the most of the week, campers should come prepared with:

• Athletic shorts or sweatpants and a T-shirt.
• Football cleats (and sneakers for indoor/gym time).
• Swimming trunks and a towel.
• A positive attitude and a willingness to work!

Consistency is the Solution

We often see people look for "quick fixes" for youth development or substance prevention. The truth is, there are no shortcuts. Transformative change comes from consistency: showing up day after day, drill after drill, and huddle after huddle.

Our camp is a cornerstone of this consistent approach. It’s a chance for your student-athlete to step away from the distractions of the summer and focus on what truly matters: their health, their future, and their team.

We aren't just building better football players; we’re building the next generation of leaders. We’re building young men and women who know their worth and have the strength to protect it.

Join the Movement

Are you ready to give your child a summer experience that stays with them long after the final whistle blows?

Spaces fill up fast, and we want to see you there on the field in Claymont. Let’s strive for greatness together. Let’s resolve to stay active, stay focused, and stay drug-free.

Register for the 2026 Summer Camp here

For more information about our other programs, including the Road Show and our Sports Wellness Conferences, visit our website.