Newsletter – Volume #10

Newsletter – Volume #10

Fighter’s Heaven Featured in “Ringside Seat” Magazine

The newest issue of “Ringside Seat” magazine features an extensive cover story on Fighter’s Heaven! The story is written by Nigel Collins, the former two-time editor-in-chief of “The Ring” magazine and author of several books. He was also the Boxing Writers Association of America’s 2023 “Nat Fleischer Award winner for Excellence in Boxing Journalism.” In addition to Nigel’s story, it includes 12 pages full of photographs of Ali’s training site in both the 1970s and also its current restoration by Mike Madden.

“Ringside Seat” magazine website: ringsideseatmag.com
Magazine copies can be ordered at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8LVNWJM

Time Capsule Plaque Installed

In 2019, Fighter’s Heaven was awarded a “Community Initiative Award” by The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office. The award consisted of a special Heritage Time Capsule which we filled with articles, photographs and memorabilia on the history of Ali’s old training camp, as well as info about the extensive restoration work that has been done.

A special plaque commemorating the time capsule has recently been installed at the site where it is buried. The beautiful granite plaque was created by Mattos Monuments of Hayward, California and shipped to Deer Lake.

Recipients of the “Community Initiative Award” have demonstrated the value of preserving iconic places and community landmarks through their ownership and stewardship. On June 4, 2022, visitors and special guests were invited for a special ceremony at Fighter’s Heaven to bury the time capsule. 2022 commemorated 50 years since the Camp was first built by Ali, and the capsule is scheduled to be opened in another 50 years (2072).

Larry Holmes Visit for Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital Mixer

Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital hosted a Mixer at the Camp! Staff members and employees enjoyed a wonderful night! It included delicious food, scenic views, learning about the Camp’s history and meeting Larry Holmes, former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and St. Luke’s Community Ambassador. It was a great night from start to finish!

If you’re interested in hosting an event at Fighter’s Heaven, contact Mick Stefanek for information and details.
Phone: 570-968-2961
Email: [email protected]

Philadelphia’s Solis-Cohen Elementary School Visit

Students from Solis-Cohen Elementary School in Philadelphia had an unforgettable experience visiting Muhammad Ali’s legendary training camp. They learned all about the Champ’s incredible journey, witnessed where he trained, and even had some fun getting in the boxing ring!

International Counselors From Camp Fowler

We had an amazing time hosting the incredible team of international counselors from Camp Fowler, a non-profit camp in Orefield, PA. With a mission to provide life-changing experiences to young people and those who work with them, Camp Fowler offers year-round programs both at camp and offsite, including team-building experiences!

Our visitors came from all around the globe, including Jamaica, Colombia, England, the US, Finland, Scotland, Turkey, New Zealand, and Mexico. They experienced Fighter’s Heaven’s rich history and the spirit of the camp. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and unforgettable memories!

Boys & Girls Club of Allentown

It was a great day having a group from the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown tour Fighter’s Heaven! It’s the type of experience that the teens will always remember!

Below are a few of their thoughts about the visit…

“I loved how Ali didn’t let any barriers stop him from completing his dreams. —- L.C.”

“Ali inspired me to never give up. To fight for what I believe in. —- S.M.”

“I heard so much about Muhammad Ali. About how great he was. I was excited to have been at his training site. Where he actually trained and lived. To actually be in a place where this great man poured out his heart and soul. —- K.J.”

Maleek Jackson Boxing Summer Camp

We enjoyed hosting a visit by the “Maleek Jackson Boxing Summer Camp.” The camp is run by the well-known Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym of Philadelphia for kids from ages 7 to 17. The multi-week camp experience for inner city youth combines the art of boxing with thrilling adventures and exciting excursions. The trip to Fighter’s Heaven was one of these excursions.

Their summer camp isn’t just about boxing, but about building confidence, strength, and camaraderie. The participants toured the famous training camp, enjoyed a pizza lunch, and learned all about Muhammad Ali and his legacy.

Expressions Day Camp

Here’s a great group who had an awesome day at Fighter’s Heaven! The summer of 2024 continues to be a time of fun, learning and educational experiences for various youth groups who visit the Camp!

Expressions Day Camp is a summer camp for children ages 6-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Empowering socially through camp at Big Oak Day Camp-Yardley, PA.

Champs Camp Event at Ali Mansion in Cherry Hill, NJ

Celebrating Success: Transforming Emotions Event at the Muhammad Ali Mansion!

This was a terrific event held at the former home of Muhammad Ali in Cherry Hill, New Jersey! We at Fighter’s Heaven look forward to continuing to work with The Champ’s Camp on making a positive impact with today’s youth!

This transformative event brought together a diverse group of participants for a day filled with creativity, self-discovery, and emotional growth.

Summer Visitors

So far this summer Fighter’s Heaven has welcomed people from all across the state, all around the country and every part of the world! We are thrilled with the positive and emotional responses of our visitors, and we appreciate all the positive feedback we’ve received!

Older visitors really enjoy reminiscing about Ali and remember the impact he had on them and the country during the late 20th Century. After all, there was a time when Ali was the most recognized face on the planet!

We are also especially eager to inform and educate the younger generations about Muhammad Ali and his legacy. We’ve enjoyed hosting many various school and youth groups and hope to host many more in the future.

The Camp is available to host a variety of group functions. Whether you’re planning a group trip, youth tour, an administration/corporate retreat, or a workshop, we have the perfect space for you. The peaceful environment provides the ideal setting for learning, relaxation, and growth.

Come join us for an unforgettable experience that caters to all of your event needs. We can’t wait to welcome you!

To schedule a tour/visit or group function
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570-778-3976
Fighter’s Heaven is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm thru
October, but open year-round by appointment for tours and group functions.