Detroit Lions safety Don Carey III has a vision of developing young athletes far beyond routine football drills.

Carey, who has already hosted youth camps in Michigan and his home state of Virginia, led a group of 40-50 kids through a STEM Day Saturday at Natchez High School.

The camp, which was open to girls and boys ages 6-16, featured half a day of skill building on the field, including drills and proper stretching.

The participants focused the other half of the event on meeting with STEM-based companies within the area. STEM is a common academic curriculum offered throughout high school and college, featuring science, technology, engineering and math.

“I want them to learn techniques to improve their football, and I also want them to learn something new that they never knew before,” Carey said. “Maybe it will inspire them to work a little harder.”

Carey said he ended up bringing his camp to Natchez through family connections, and hope the twofold approach to teaching can benefit the players in the long run.

“You can be intellectual and athletic at the same time,” he said. “Since most of these kids what to be football players, I hope their Plan A works out. I always want them to have a Plan B.”

Carey also hopes by introducing the kids to local companies, it will provide a unique way to broaden their thinking.

“The cool part is if something catches their interest, they don’t have to leave the area,” he said. “They can stay home and help people in their community.”