Round Rock ISD students learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and kindness this summer during the district’s Boys to Men Empowerment Camp, a weeklong program hosted by the Enrichment Department at Herrington Elementary School.
The camp was led by Fred Cavazos, a PE Coach at Gattis Elementary School, and focused on hands-on skill-building activities, including cooking, constructing birdhouses and doghouses, and learning how to repair bicycles.
The experience was designed to be more than just a handyman workshop. Cavazos said he hoped it would help the boys grow into well-rounded young men.
“We felt that kids were lacking a little bit of hands-on skills, so we thought we'd give them activities to help build those skills,” Cavazos said. “It’s lifelong. The hope is that these guys learned they can do stuff for themselves and feel proud afterward.”
The camp also emphasized character development. Students practiced tying ties, holding doors open, and speaking kindly. Cavazos said those small moments reflect a bigger goal: rebuilding a sense of chivalry and empathy in young men.
“We always say what's desirable in a man is his kindness,” Cavazos said. “If you're skilled, you'll use those skills in life… and maybe one day, they’ll bring you prosperity or simply the satisfaction of saying, ‘I did that.’”
Fourth-grade Gattis student Lincoln R. said he learned more than just practical skills at camp.
“My favorite part was tying the tie,” he said. “I also learned how to cook and how to fly a kite. I think I learned how to be a better person this week.”
For Lincoln, the highlight wasn’t just the lessons. It was the people.
“Coach is a fun, funny, and cool guy,” he said. “I want to be strong, just like him. I want to be a coach one day, too!”
To help incentivize the boys for all their hard work, Cavazos raffled off three bikes donated by community members at the end of the camp.
“I went around asking our neighbors and community members if they had any bikes that they could donate, and a lot of them said, ‘If it’s for the kids, definitely.’ Some bikes needed new parts or repairs, but it worked out because it became part of the students’ learning experience,” he said.
Evan V., one of the raffle winners, said receiving a bike made the week even more special.
“I was pretty excited, especially because I had been eyeing the bike I ended up winning,” said Evan. “We worked on the bikes, too, which was cool.”
Cavazos said he hopes the camp becomes an annual tradition that continues to uplift young students with real-world skills, confidence, and character.