A Ray of Hope on Earth Camps
Eastern Illinois University, Grant Ave & 4th Street, Charleston, IL 60605
About
A Ray of Hope on Earth Camps includes Central Illinois Football Camp and Chicago Football Camp, where students take part in on-the-field drills and off-the-field skills. Campers also join team challenges and leadership challenges, along with late-night conversations and moments of prayer.
Founded by former NFL player and leadership coach Ray McElroy, the program features youth getting an up close opportunity to see former NFL players and men of character serve as coaches and mentors. Camps develop a well-rounded student-athlete by combining on-the-field drills with off-the-field skills in a high-energy, character-shaping environment built on faith and community. The mission of A Ray of Hope on Earth is to help young people discover their worth, embrace their identity, and step boldly into the future through mentoring, outreach, and faith-based programs. The organization offers intentional mentorship, meaningful conversations, team challenges, and faith-centered teaching, and also provides a Sponsor a Camper option for those who want to fund camp experiences for youth. From one-on-one mentoring to community-wide programs, A Ray of Hope on Earth states that it exists to bring hope and help to every life it touches. Leadership for a GLS Next Gen Special Event includes Ray McElroy, Michelle McElroy, and Johnny C. Taylor. One camper, Marcus, shared, “I didn’t know I had leadership in me until this week,” and also said, “Camp helped me see that God made me for more. I’m going home different — stronger, braver, and ready to lead.”
Last updated May 25, 2026.
Founded by former NFL player and leadership coach Ray McElroy, the program features youth getting an up close opportunity to see former NFL players and men of character serve as coaches and mentors. Camps develop a well-rounded student-athlete by combining on-the-field drills with off-the-field skills in a high-energy, character-shaping environment built on faith and community. The mission of A Ray of Hope on Earth is to help young people discover their worth, embrace their identity, and step boldly into the future through mentoring, outreach, and faith-based programs. The organization offers intentional mentorship, meaningful conversations, team challenges, and faith-centered teaching, and also provides a Sponsor a Camper option for those who want to fund camp experiences for youth. From one-on-one mentoring to community-wide programs, A Ray of Hope on Earth states that it exists to bring hope and help to every life it touches. Leadership for a GLS Next Gen Special Event includes Ray McElroy, Michelle McElroy, and Johnny C. Taylor. One camper, Marcus, shared, “I didn’t know I had leadership in me until this week,” and also said, “Camp helped me see that God made me for more. I’m going home different — stronger, braver, and ready to lead.”
Last updated May 25, 2026.
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