BMWM

In The Community

Built Different: A Call to Lead Summer Retreat

For BMWM, mentorship doesn’t only happen during meetings. Sometimes, it happens around a campfire.

This year, Become a Man Without a Man (BMWM) hosted its First Annual Camping Retreat in Surry County, giving our Young Kings an opportunity to step away from their everyday routines, experience the outdoors, and build stronger connections with their mentors and one another.

Throughout the retreat, the young men had opportunities to explore, learn new skills, work together, and simply enjoy being kids—all while surrounded by positive male role models who were there to encourage, guide, and pour into them.

Experiences like these are an important part of what BMWM is all about. We’re creating spaces where young men can build confidence, strengthen life skills, experience brotherhood, and develop meaningful relationships with men who consistently show up for them.

Our first camping retreat may be in the books, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to making it an annual BMWM tradition and creating even more experiences our Young Kings will carry with them long after they leave the campsite.

Mentorship Matters—and sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the classroom.

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BMWM x S.T.A.R. Haven

GATES COUNTY, N.C. — July 20, 2026 — With support from local foundations throughout Hampton Roads, S.T.A.R. Haven, Inc. and Become a Man Without a Man, Inc. (BMWM) have partnered on a community service and workforce-development project to transform an RV into a safe, functional living space for individuals experiencing homelessness or an urgent need for shelter.

The rehabilitation project is taking place in Gates County, North Carolina, where BMWM brought a group of young men—known within the organization as “Young Kings”—to assist with the first phase of the RV’s transformation.

Under adult supervision, the Young Kings participated in hands-on demolition, cleanup, preparation, teamwork, and basic construction activities. The project provides valuable exposure to skilled trades while teaching responsibility, leadership, work ethic, safety, compassion, and service to others.

“This partnership allows our young men to see that they have the ability to help build something meaningful,” said Reginald “Mr. Reggie” Buggs, Founder of Become a Man Without a Man, Inc. “They are not simply working on an RV—they are helping create hope, dignity, and shelter for someone in need. This is mentorship, workforce development, and community service working together.”

S.T.A.R. Haven President Kianna Boone is leading the organization’s effort to transform the RV into a sustainable living space that can provide safety, stability, and hope. S.T.A.R. Haven’s mission is to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity by connecting them with compassionate assistance, essential resources, and pathways toward safe and sustainable living.

Become a Man Without a Man’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where young men can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed through consistent, positive mentorship. BMWM serves young men through leadership development, life-skills education, spiritual growth, workforce exposure, community service, and positive male guidance.

Dexter Raysor, BMWM Mentorship Coordinator, Workforce Leader, and Coordinator of the S.T.A.R. Haven partnership, is directing the youth workforce component. Raysor ensures that the Young Kings receive proper instruction, supervision, safety guidance, and meaningful opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.

“Our goal is not only to complete the RV, but also to introduce our young men to valuable skills and potential career paths,” Raysor said. “When skilled tradespeople work beside them, they are teaching much more than a task. They are showing our youth what professionalism, craftsmanship, patience, and responsibility look like.”

Mentors and Community Support Needed

As BMWM continues to provide opportunities like this for young men, the organization is seeking additional male mentors who are willing to invest their time, experience, and positive influence in the next generation.

Mentors do not need to come from a particular profession or background. BMWM welcomes men who have a heart for helping young people and an interest in giving back to their community. Men with experience or an affinity for construction, skilled trades, community service, workforce development, or hands-on projects are especially encouraged to get involved, as projects like the RV rehabilitation provide opportunities to work alongside the Young Kings while building relationships, sharing practical knowledge, and modeling leadership, responsibility, and service.

BMWM is also seeking skilled volunteers to help complete the RV rehabilitation before the beginning of the new school year. Licensed, qualified, or experienced volunteers are needed in the following areas:

Plumbing
Electrical work
Carpentry and construction
Flooring and drywall
Roofing and weatherproofing
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Painting and interior finishing
RV repair and maintenance
Cabinetry and appliance installation
General contracting and project management

Businesses, churches, civic organizations, contractors, suppliers, and community members are also invited to support the project by donating professional services, building materials, tools, safety equipment, appliances, fixtures, gift cards, meals, or financial contributions.

All youth activities will be performed under responsible adult supervision. Safety, proper instruction, and age-appropriate work will remain the highest priorities throughout the project.

“This project represents what can happen when nonprofit organizations, local foundations, mentors, skilled professionals, and community members unite around service and compassion,” Boone said. “Together, we are developing young leaders while creating a safe place for someone who may otherwise have nowhere to turn.”

Media and Community Contact

Become a Man Without a Man, Inc.
Reginald “Mr. Reggie” Buggs, Founder
Email: 1becomingman@gmail.com
Phone: 757-201-2405
Website: www.becomingmanwithoutman.com

About S.T.A.R. Haven, Inc.

S.T.A.R. Haven, Inc., led by President Kianna Boone, supports people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity through compassionate assistance, community resources, and opportunities that promote safe, stable, and sustainable living.

About Become a Man Without a Man, Inc.

Become a Man Without a Man, Inc. is a nonprofit youth mentorship organization dedicated to helping young men navigate their path to adulthood through consistent and positive mentorship. BMWM provides safe, supportive opportunities that promote leadership, confidence, accountability, life skills, spiritual development, workforce readiness, and community service.

Called to Lead: 1st Annual Summer Retreat

Take a look inside BMWM’s First Annual Camping Retreat in Surry County! From outdoor adventures and new experiences to laughter, brotherhood, and time spent with mentors, these moments capture what happens when our Young Kings have the space to learn, connect, and just be kids.

Past Events

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Building Character through Service

On weekends, BMWM mentees roll up their sleeves to assist Carnival cruise passengers by loading luggage at a local parking lot. Through teamwork, responsibility, and hard work, the young men earn tips while gaining real-world experience, confidence, and valuable life skills that extend far beyond the job.

Mentees and mentor posing in front of Nauticus and a Carnival Cruise ship.

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Valentine's Day Brunch

Our Valentine’s Day Brunch was a beautiful celebration of gratitude and love. The young men of Become a Man Without a Man took time to honor their mothers, the women who have sacrificed, supported, and stood beside them through every season.

Over brunch, they shared heartfelt words of appreciation, expressing thanks for the strength, love, and guidance their mothers provide each day. This was a moment of recognition, maturity, and meaningful connection that reminded everyone in the room just how powerful love and gratitude are.

Mentees and mentors in formal attire posing at Valentine's Day brunch

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Vision to Victory

Our young kings gathered for a powerful Vision Board Experience designed to help them see beyond their current circumstances and boldly imagine their future. Through guided reflection, goal-setting, and creativity, each young man created a visual roadmap of their dreams, from career aspirations to personal growth milestones.

This event was about building confidence, clarity, and belief. At Become a Man Without a Man, we remind our mentees that their future is not defined by what they lack but by the vision they’re brave enough to pursue.