Anti-violence campout held in Back of the Yards

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Neighbors in the Back of the Yard neighborhood woke up Saturday morning after the first campout to curb gun violence in the city.

Several other events are planned in areas hardest hit by crime.

The campout kicked off a summer-long program to curb violence in some of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods.

At about 5 a.m., the group closed the overnight campout and gathered around a fire, talking about the importance of being present and taking back their communities.

It was led by non-profit group Resurrection Project.

The summer campouts kicked off Friday night with a peace march and offered participants non-violence training and employment workshops.

Organizers said the campouts help empower Chicago's youth

"I think it changes the narrative. It helps people in the community have a very different perspective about what is possible when communities become united, but also what young people can accomplish," said Berto Aguayo of the Resurrection Project.

The camps will continue throughout the summer taking place in different areas plagued with gun violence. Next week, the camp will take place in Little Village.

Camp organizers say they use these opportunities to connect with the neighborhood by registering voters as well as clean ups.