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With the anticipated closing of the 6 Flags of America Theme Park in Bowie, Md, and water park on November 2, 2025, many youth and families are left feeling disappointed. For decades the popular amusement park has been a source of boundless fun, excitement, joy and adventure for the young and the young at heart. It has also provided an economic hub for the city and state.
This summer a group of excited eastern shore youth got the chance to say farewell to the popular amusement park before its final closure.
The Men For Change Community Outreach hosted a group of 40 youth between the ages of 12-17 on a chartered bus trip destined for a day of fun at 6 Flags. MFC President David Ricks accompanied the youth along with 10 volunteers. The youth enjoyed the roller coaster rides in addition to other attractions. The trip was planned as a special reward for those youth who regularly participate in the afterschool program. During the adventure, the youth demonstrated some of the life lessons and social skills they learn at the mentoring sessions. They treated each other, their peers, and adults with respect and courtesy. MFC President David Ricks said, “I am so proud of how well-behaved and polite our youth appeared in their actions.”
Mentor and facilitator Pastor Stanford Ricks often use a boot camp approach in teaching youth discipline, and the values of life skills, social ethics, moral conduct and acceptable norms. Things like obey rules, respect your teacher and others, do your homework in a timely fashion, listen clearly, no fighting, no pushing, no cursing , no name calling, love each other, be kind and caring are virtues that are ingrained in their lives on a regular basis.
The youth participated in the MFC afterschool mentoring program which meets weekly at the Federalsburg Activities Center. After meeting for years at various locations, the afterschool mentoring program has finally found a permanent home.
The FAC provides a safe space, a supportive learning environment where the youth feel welcomed and safe. The MFC and the FAC have forged a mutual partnership based on their shared mission of community service to youth, families and seniors.
The Mentoring program operates on an honor system with the youth earning points for good behavior and academic achievement. This affords them the privilege of engaging in various activities, fun trips, town parades and community projects.
Ricks expressed his gratitude and appreciation for support from community partners.
“Without their support and generosity, these trips and activities would not be possible”, said Ricks. We especially thank the Mid-Shore Foundation, Wayne Cole and the Lions Club Foundation and Denton Wal-Mart for their continuous support”, continued Ricks.
Ms. April Holmes, Denton Wal-Mart Store Manager, feels a personal connection to the MFC afterschool mentoring program and mission. “Growing up in the small town of Bridgeville, De., I often attended similar programs like the ones MFC offer. Through those programs, I was able to travel and visit theme parks and other places and enjoy myself free of charge. My parents could not afford the cost for me and my sister to go on trips, said Holmes. Thankfully, these programs made it possible for me to experience these opportunities and not feel left out”, she explained.
“I also learned and developed life skills, that has helped me achieve success in life. It has been my honor and pleasure to support the MFC Program because, I know from personal experience, the positive impact that this program can have on our youth, communities and future leaders.”
The organization is looking for volunteers to help with youth programs as well as donors to help support these programs and services.
Contact David Ricks 443-786-5182 for more information.
