Our Staff's Guide to the 901
We’re less than two months away from our first week of summer camp! High school and junior high groups from all over the U.S. are gearing up to travel to Memphis. While they’re here, they’ll serve homeowners in under-resourced neighborhoods by providing critical home repairs. During camp, students will make a true and lasting impact on the city of Memphis - but they’ll also have a little fun while they’re at it!
The Wednesday of every summer camp session is Half-Day Wednesday, where groups are given the afternoon to explore the city. To help groups decide what to do during free time, some of our staff shared suggestions of where to eat and go while you’re in Memphis!
Kelly
Camps and Registration Coordinator
Favorite restaurant: Hog and Hominy
What to order: Thunderbird! 40 Twice!
Where to explore: Big River Crossing or the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I grew up loving Memphis.
My parents did an incredible job of showing us the beauty of the city and modeling service in its most broken places.
Tyler
Camps and Programs Coordinator
Favorite restaurant: The Bar-B-Q Shop
What to order: I always get the rack of ribs to share and sweet tea!
Where to explore: Visit Shelby Farms Park to bike, kayak or play disk golf. The park has so much to offer, especially to someone trying to escapethe sounds of the city for a minute.
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I fell in love with the city after spending a few summers here with SOS. I permanently moved here after completing the SOS Academy and accepting a full-time job with the organization.
Emily
Construction Administrator
Favorite restaurant: Maciel’s Taco Shop
What to order: Gazpacho salad or Tacos de Lechuga
Where to explore: Broad Avenue
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I was born in Memphis, but I moved away with my family when I was 7. The SOS Academy brought me back a few years ago and I'm grateful to be apart of such a diverse and thriving community!
Sidney
SOS Academy, Builds Intern
Favorite restaurant: Casablanca
What to order: Chicken shawarma and baba ganoush
Where to explore: Graceland (don’t forget to take a picture with Elvis’ horses!)
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I have always loved Memphis. I have family here and grew up visiting a lot. I love the music, the people and the soul of the city.
Jake
Assistant Director of Camps and Programs
Favorite restaurant: Casablanca
What to order: THE TEA (hot or cold) with shawarma and hummus!
Where to explore: Broad Avenue
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I moved to Memphis to do the SOS Academy.
Marlon "Big Dog" Brown
Assistant Construction Director
Favorite restaurant: Texas De Brazil
What to order: Steak
Where to explore: I like going to Mirimichi Golf Course.
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I came to Memphis for my job opportunity with SOS!
Ally
Director of Camps and Programs
Favorite restaurant: Elwood’s Shack
What to order: Texas patty melt
Where to explore: SOS! Come on out for a workshop on a Builds day or for a parking lot dance party on a camp morning. Visit the Cooper Young Farmer’s Market, see a show at Levitt Shell, have breakfast on the patio of Stone Soup Café or grab ice cream at La Michoacana!
Why you chose to live in Memphis: I moved to Memphis to do the SOS Academy.