Leading with Purpose: Andre Brewer's Lifelong Commitment to Camp Lincoln for Boys

In August 1999, Andre Brewer arrived at Camp Lincoln for Boys. This visit marked the beginning of a journey that would define his life. Growing up in Kentucky, Andre always planned to work in the medical field. But his first year in college at DePauw University, located in Indiana, would lead him on a different path. Andre met Ruggs Cote at college, whose grandfather founded Camp Lincoln in 1909. Ruggs encouraged Andre to work summers with him and what started as a summer experience quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment. Four summers spent as a college student transformed into a calling and then a career. By 2000, Andre stepped into a full-time assistant role and over the years, he grew into the position he holds today: Director of Camp Lincoln.

A Leader Who Listens Knows How to Lead

Andre's responsibilities go beyond the joy of summer activities. He oversees many crucial aspects of camp life. His role includes:

• Camper enrollment and recruitment
• Staff hiring and supervision
• Medical coordination for onsite summer team
• Financial and budget planning with camp owner, Cote Hospitality
• Managing alumni relations and programming
• Consistent communication with parents and grandparents

Yet, when asked about Camp Lincoln's success, Andre does not highlight logistics. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of listening. He welcomes feedback from parents, staff members and campers alike. He attends industry conferences to learn new ideas. Andre believes growth comes from curiosity and openness. His question to the staff members is simple: "What do you want the campers to say about you when you leave?" His hope is they will describe him as fair, responsible, and someone who listens without prejudice. This humility sets a positive tone for the entire camp.

Shaped by Values, Leading with Identity

Andre's leadership is influenced by his upbringing. His parents instilled values that go beyond skin color or social class. They taught him to value character, education and faith. As a Black camp director in a field where representation has been limited, Andre recognizes the significance of his role. For many parents and campers, especially boys of color, seeing him in charge makes a difference that is not always articulated. He hopes his leadership role shows young men of color that they can be a leader, too. 

He has served on the National Board for the American Camp Association and is currently on the Camp Owners and Directors Association National Board. Andre remains active in efforts to expand access and leadership in the camp community. He believes in camp programs, working to ensure more children of color experience camp. At Camp Lincoln, "community" is not just a value; it is something he actively cultivates. Andre views camp as a space where boys can be themselves. They can sing loudly, try crafts and laugh together. Here, affluent kids and those needing financial assistance share experiences, making status irrelevant. "No one cares about that here," Andre insists. "They just get to be boys."

Leadership & Mentorship That Lasts a Lifetime

One of the greatest privileges of Andre's role is time. He observes boys grow from campers into leaders. The transformation is profound as he witnesses shy campers becoming confident speakers. The restless boys learn discipline. Teenagers discover resilience through effort and a willingness to learn.

Andre recalls a lesson from industry leader Jack Weiner about the impact a mentor can have, even for a short season. If he can make a difference in just one camper's life, Andre considers it a success. He has seen how camp reshapes perspectives. Young men who once took community for granted learn its value. Camp becomes a place for practicing respect and kindness. Resilience builds through small moments: following directions, trying again after failure, speaking in front of groups, and fulfilling cabin responsibilities. These character-forming repetitions happen daily, and Andre is there every step of the way.

The Quiet Moments Matter Most

Despite overseeing budgets and operations, Andre treasures simple moments. He enjoys passing time between activities. Eating meals with campers brings him joy. He loves sitting in on cabin activities and observing boys lead activities at the campfires and during moments like "apple toss." He prefers to sit back and watch, not to control, but to witness growth and friendship. He sees confidence building and boys becoming comfortable in their skin.

For Andre, Camp Lincoln is more than a summer program. It is a vibrant community. Here, boys learn to lead, listen, respect others, and grow into men shaped by shared experiences. More than 35 years after arriving, he is guided by a powerful belief: if he can positively shape even one life, the work is worthwhile. Under his leadership, Camp Lincoln continues to shape many young lives.

Leadership Training Program

The Camp Lincoln Leadership Training (LT) Program offers a unique opportunity for young men in 10th and 11th grade to develop essential leadership skills that prepare them for life beyond camp. In this two-year leadership development program, participants must demonstrate strong motivation, dedication, and a desire to grow personally and professionally. Andre looks for campers who fit the program, realizing the program can have huge impact of their futures.

Ther program is divided into Level 1 (4 weeks) and Level 2 (6-8 weeks), and focuses on cultivating skills applicable to various life scenarios, from job readiness to community service. Those interested in joining this transformative experience can contact André at andre@lincoln-lakehubert.com to learn more about the application process and program benefits.

Andre's leadership at Camp Lincoln is a testament to the power of purposeful guidance. His vision transforms the camp into a haven for boys. It cultivates their growth into curious, confident and compassionate young men. Each summer, Camp Lincoln stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for many. The legacy of leadership continues, shaped by the dedication of Andre and his team.

The Camp Lincoln Experience

Camp Lincoln offers a variety of enriching experiences. It is a place where boys can explore their interests, build friendships, and develop leadership skills. The camp features:

• Over 40 engaging activities, from sports to arts
• Leadership training programs for older campers
• Team-building exercises to foster camaraderie
• Opportunities for personal growth and discovery
• A nurturing environment that emphasizes respect and community
• Learn more about Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls