Dawn Elena Pleas’ HOPE Tour has launched and concluded the 19th Annual Builder Bound Camp, the largest and most dynamic summer enrichment experience in its history. The 2025 Builder Bound initiative, hosted by Southwestern College, included three distinct camps and welcomed over 100 participants ranging from 2 to 87 years old, at no cost.

This year’s Builder Bound series featured:

Residential Camp (June 3–6): A week-long residential camp for middle school students from Gordon Parks Academy (GPA) STEM Leaders in Applied and Media Arts (Wichita, KS). This immersive experience included mini-courses, campus activities, and leadership development all coordinated and led by Southwestern College admins, staff, students, and faculty with collaboration from Erik Stone, Kansas Teacher of the Year 2025 finalist and band director at GPA, culminating in a powerful and inspiring week for young learners.

Basketball Summer Camp (June 10–12): The camp was held at Gordon Parks Academy, in collaboration with the Southwestern College men’s basketball team and head coach Matt O'Brien, it included skills training, a media day, and mentorship from award-winning college-level coaches for 5th–8th grade boys and girls.

Wichita State Upward Bound Urban Prep Camp (June 13): Designed for high school students, this one-day intensive provided guidance and encouragement as students explore higher education options and career pathways.

Pleas, vice president of special projects and planning at Southwestern College, has spent her entire 35-year career as an advocate for youth development and college readiness.

“This is more than a camp—it’s a celebration of learning, growth, and community. From toddlers to lifelong learners, Builder Bound reflects the values of inclusion and empowerment,” Pleas says.

The three-camp series was successfully completed with partnerships with Gordon Parks Academy Principal LaTonia Kennedy, Upward Bound Wichita Prep Jaya Escobar-Bhattacharjee, community business owner/ activist pastor ODell Harris Jr., and Wichita Police Department’s Chief Sullivan and Captain Beard. 

According to Pleas, the energy, collaboration, and joy were unmistakable as students experienced college life firsthand at and with Southwestern College.

For more information on Builder Bound Camp, how to make a donation, or upcoming HOPE Tour events, contact Pleas by email at dawn.pleas@sckans.edu.